Los Angeles Chargers The NFL on Monday suspended safety Derwin James for one game without pay for repeated violations of rules dealing with player health and safety.
James has been penalized for unnecessary roughness five times in his last 18 games, the most by any defensive player in the league. All five involve striking an opponent’s head with his shoulder or helmet.
John RunyanThe league’s vice president of football operations cited the league’s ban on lowering the head and initiating helmet-to-helmet contact. Runyan pointed to James’ targeting of the Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth During the Third Trimester Sunday’s 20-10 loss at Pittsburgh As the last straw.
James lowered his head and hit Freiermuth, which resulted in a 15-yard unnecessary roughness penalty. James had an unobstructed path to Freiermuth and could have adjusted the way he delivered the hit.
“Your continued disregard for the NFL’s playing rules will not be tolerated,” Runyan wrote in a letter to James. “When players repeatedly violate rules designed to protect players, they should be heavily penalized, especially when the violation places a risk of injury to an opposing player.”
James said after the game that he did not ask the referee why he was penalized.
“I’m not here to be a referee, I’m playing fast and not thinking about the flag,” he said. “I’ll watch the film and see if they fine me. I don’t think I hit him in the head or neck.”
The Chargers (2-1) host Kansas City on Sunday. James can appeal the suspension to a hearing officer jointly appointed by the league and the players union. The appeal will be heard Tuesday or Wednesday and a decision could be made soon after.
(Connected: Justin Herbert is dealing with an ankle sprain,
Earlier Monday, Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh said he wasn’t concerned about James being overly aggressive.
“Let Derwin be Derwin,” Harbaugh said. “He’s found the right way to play aggressively and within the rules at the same time. That’s what I’ve seen.”
Associated Press reports.
(Want great stories delivered straight to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, follow leagues, teams and players, and receive personalized newsletters every day,
Get more information from the National Football League Follow your favorites to get updates on games, news and more