On Monday, the NFL announced that Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. has been suspended for one game without pay due to “repeated violations of playing rules aimed at safeguarding the health and safety of players.” The suspension stems from an incident in the third quarter of Sunday’s 20-10 defeat against Pittsburgh, where James lowered his head to initiate contact. During that play, tight end Pat Freiermuth picked up 15 yards for a first down, while James was penalized with a 15-yard flag for unnecessary roughness.
The Suspension Issued by League VP
Jon Runyan, the NFL’s Vice President of Football Operations, reportedly sent a letter to James as part of the league’s announcement. In the letter, Runyan noted that James had the chance to avoid the collision and referenced game footage that illustrated his use of the head in the tackle.
“Your ongoing disregard for NFL playing rules will not be tolerated,” Runyan wrote. “Significant penalties are warranted when players consistently violate the rules designed to enhance player safety, particularly when such actions pose a serious injury risk to opposing players.”
James: “I Don’t Feel Like I Hit Him”
Sources close to James indicate that he plans to appeal the suspension. If unsuccessful, he would be able to return to the Chargers’ roster on September 30, missing their game against the Kansas City Chiefs on September 29.
After Sunday’s game, James voiced his frustration about the penalty, asserting that he should not have been flagged.
“As I mentioned, I don’t want to keep the drive alive,” James told reporters post-game. “I was trying to bring the guy down. I don’t feel like I hit him in the head or neck, but we’ll review it.”
Over his six-year career, Derwin James has accumulated seven unnecessary roughness penalties, resulting in fines totaling $127,792.
Image Source: Ringo Chiu / Shutterstock
