Los Angeles Chargers Safety Derwin James Suspended by NFL for Repeated Violations
In a recent announcement, the NFL revealed that Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James has been suspended for one game without pay due to repeated violations of rules aimed at protecting players’ health and safety.
James has accumulated five unnecessary roughness penalties in his last 18 games, making him the defensive player with the most infractions in the league. All five penalties involved hits to the head of an opponent using his shoulder or helmet.
The league’s vice president of football operations, Jon Runyan, emphasized the prohibition on lowering the head and initiating contact with the helmet. Runyan specifically referenced James’ targeting of Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth during a recent game as the catalyst for the suspension.
Despite James receiving a 15-yard penalty for unnecessary roughness during the game, he expressed that he did not feel he had violated the rules.
Following the suspension, James has the option to appeal the decision. The Chargers are set to face the Kansas City Chiefs in their upcoming game.
Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh expressed his support for James, praising his aggressive style of play while maintaining adherence to the rules.
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