The NFL has handed down a one-game unpaid suspension to Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James for repeatedly violating player health and safety regulations. Despite appealing the decision, James was unsuccessful in overturning the suspension.
James received multiple personal foul penalties during the Chargers’ 20-10 defeat against the Pittsburgh Steelers, resulting in his current suspension.
“Your ongoing disregard for NFL playing rules will not be tolerated,” stated NFL vice president Jon Runyan in a letter to James, as reported by Kris Rhim of ESPN. “Severe penalties are necessary when players consistently breach rules designed to safeguard player safety, especially when these violations pose a significant risk of injury to others.”
Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh expressed his disagreement with the suspension, asserting that James did not intentionally deliver a malicious hit to Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth.
“I did not agree with the suspension,” Harbaugh told reporters, as shared by the Chargers on YouTube. “I believed there were mitigating circumstances involved. That’s my stance.”
Harbaugh emphasized that he does not think James led with his helmet while tackling Freiermuth, asserting that he used his shoulder first. He noted that James has made efforts to comply with NFL regulations, even reaching out to officials over the summer for clarification.
“He doesn’t want to injure anyone on the field,” Harbaugh stated. “He aims to tackle in accordance with the NFL’s guidelines. I have immense respect for Derwin James, and I’m disappointed by this outcome. He often sacrifices personal stats to avoid injuring another player or hitting them in the head.”
This suspension arrives at a critical juncture, as the Chargers prepare to face the Kansas City Chiefs this Sunday. The Chiefs, a top team in the league and a divisional rival, present a challenging matchup, especially without James on defense. He will be eligible to return for the Chargers’ fifth game of the season against the Denver Broncos.