NFL determines fan who spilled drink on Cincinnati's Chase Brown did it accidentally

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 29: Chase Brown #30 of the Cincinnati Bengals throws the ball against the Carolina Panthers during the game at Bank of America Stadium on September 29, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) — Cincinnati Browns running back Chase Brown scored two touchdowns in Sunday’s 34-24 win over the Carolina Panthers. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) (Grant Halverson via Getty Images)

The NFL has completed an investigation into an incident in which a fan spilled a drink on Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown, ruling it accidental. The incident took place Sunday in Carolina, after the Bengals beat the Carolina Panthers 34-24.

“The league’s review of the matter determined that portions of the beverage were accidentally spilled on the Cincinnati player as Bengals fans attempted to catch the gloves he threw at them,” the statement said. NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy told ESPN.

Brown was sprayed with a drink while walking through the tunnel after the game. A video of the incident went viral and sparked a league investigation into whether the incident was intentional.

If the NFL had discovered that the fan had maliciously spilled the drink, the league could have chosen to punish the fan, including the possibility of imposing a lifetime ban from the stadium.

Brown ran for 80 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday’s win, also hauling in two receptions for 12 yards.

The second-year running back told ESPN on Thursday he was glad the drink wasn’t poured on purpose.

“It would suck if people did things intentionally,” Brown told ESPN. “Honestly, I’m also happier that it’s a Bengals fan. I’m just glad they got the gloves at the end of the day.”

He also said he might not throw away gloves or other equipment in future games, to avoid being sprayed again.

“Maybe I need to put it back in now,” Brown said. “I’m not going to throw up again.”