Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase received a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for using abusive language towards a referee after feeling the officials missed a hip-drop tackle by Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie. The penalty derailed a crucial late-game drive, forcing the Bengals to settle for a field goal, which ultimately contributed to their 26-25 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Chase's frustration was evident as he had to be physically separated from the officials by quarterback Joe Burrow and continued to show anger on the sideline. Head referee Alex Kemp clarified that the penalty was due to Chase crossing the line with his language, not merely using profanity. This incident comes amid Chase's ongoing contract negotiations with the Bengals, where he is seeking to become the highest-paid receiver in the NFL. Chase declined to discuss the penalty post-game, only acknowledging that he needed to learn from the incident.