The NFL suspended Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James one game on Monday for “repeated violations” of league rules to protect players’ health and safety.
James will appeal the suspension, The Athletic reported. Otherwise, the Chargers will be without their former Pro Bowl safety for their Week 4 contest against the two-time defending champion Kansas City Chiefs.
The suspension comes after James led with his helmet when landing a hit on Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth on Sunday in a 20-10 loss. James was penalized on the play, saying after the game that he was frustrated to be flagged and didn’t believe he hit Freiermuth in the head or neck.
“During the third quarter of Sunday’s Chargers-Steelers game you were involved in a play that the League considers a serious violation of the playing rules,” NFL vice president of football operations Jon Runyan wrote in a letter to James. “The video of the play shows that you lowered your head and made forcible contact (with Freiermuth). You had an unobstructed path to your opponent and the illegal contact could have been avoided.
“Your continued disregard for NFL playing rules will not be tolerated. Substantial penalties are warranted when players violate the rules intended to protect player safety on a repeated basis, particularly when the violations carry with them a significant risk of injury to an opposing player.”
James, 28, has 21 tackles and one sack in three games this year. He has played six seasons for the Chargers since they drafted him in the first round in 2018, missing all of 2020 due to injury. He was a first-team All-Pro selection as a rookie and is a three-time Pro Bowler.
In 69 career games (all starts), James has totaled 518 tackles (26 for loss), 12.5 sacks, 23 quarterback hits, 32 pass breakups, eight interceptions and five forced fumbles.
Repeated Violations
The NFL suspension of Derwin James is the latest example of the league's increasing focus on player safety. In recent years, the NFL has implemented a number of rule changes and policies aimed at reducing the number of helmet-to-helmet hits and other dangerous plays. The league has also been more aggressive in suspending players who violate these rules.
James has a history of unnecessary roughness penalties, including five in his last 18 games. All five have involved blows to the head of an opponent with his shoulder or helmet. NFL Vice President of Football Operations Jon Runyan cited James’ past transgressions in a letter to him after his most recent illegal hit. He specifically cited the league’s ban on lowering the head and initiating contact with the helmet.
James lowered his helmet and made direct helmet-to-helmet contact with Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth during the third quarter of Sunday's game, drawing a penalty. James was penalized on the play, saying after the game that he was frustrated to be flagged and didn’t believe he hit Freiermuth in the head or neck.
“I’m not here to referee, I’m playing fast and not thinking about a flag,” James said. “I’ll look at the film and see if they send me a fine. I don’t feel like I hit him in the head or neck.”
James' Argument
Despite the NFL's stance, James maintains that he did not intend to hit Freiermuth in the head. James said that he was trying to make a tackle and that his helmet made contact with Freiermuth's head because of the way he was positioned. James has been fined five times for unnecessary roughness penalties in his career, but this is his first suspension.
The Appeal
The Chargers will host the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. James can appeal the suspension before a hearing officer jointly appointed by the league and the players' union. The appeal would be heard either Tuesday or Wednesday with an expedited decision. James has already lost his appeal.
What's Next
James' suspension is a reminder to all players that the NFL is serious about protecting player safety. Players who continue to violate the rules will face consequences, including fines and suspensions. This suspension is a major blow to the Chargers, as James is one of their most valuable players. His absence could have a significant impact on their game against the Chiefs. It will be interesting to see how the league continues to enforce its rules and policies in the future. The NFL has made it clear that it is not afraid to suspend players who repeatedly violate the rules, even if those players are considered to be some of the league's best. This suspension is a significant development in the NFL's ongoing effort to protect player safety. The Chargers will miss James' presence on the field, but they will have to find a way to win without him. They will likely rely on their other defensive players to step up in his absence. It remains to be seen whether James' suspension will have a significant impact on the Chargers' season. However, it is clear that the NFL is serious about protecting player safety and that players will be held accountable for their actions.
