The NFL suspended Chargers safety Derwin James for one game without pay on Monday due to a violation of league safety rules.
James is known as one of the most impactful defensive backs in the league, but his reputation may have worked against him in this decision. James took another big hit on Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth in Los Angeles’ Week 3 loss, and the NFL disciplined the veteran safety accordingly.
For more information on James’ suspension, The Jugo Mobile has you covered below.
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Why was Derwin James suspended?
The NFL suspended James for one game without pay for “repeated violations of player rules designed to protect the health and safety of players, including during Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers,” according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport.
James will appeal the suspension, but he is expected to be sidelined from the Chargers’ Week 4 game against the Chiefs on Sept. 29 as a result.
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“During the third quarter of Sunday’s Chargers-Steelers game, you were involved in a play that the league considers to be a serious violation of the rules of the game,” the NFL told James, according to Rapoport.
“Video from the scene shows that you ducked and violently collided with Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth. You had a clear path to your opponent and the illegal contact could have been avoided.”
The NFL’s statement also mentions James’ history of dirty hits.
“Your continued disregard for the NFL’s rules of the game will not be tolerated. Significant penalties are warranted when players repeatedly violate rules designed to protect player safety, particularly when the violations pose a significant risk of injury to an opposing player.”
James has been assessed seven unnecessary roughness penalties since 2018, tying Marshon Lattimore and Jordan Poyer for the second-most penalties in the NFL during that span, according to ESPN. Only Xavier Woods with eight has more.
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Derwin James hit on Pat Freirmuth
Take a look at the hit that earned James a one-game suspension from the league office.
James was reported for unnecessary roughness in the room.
Here is the shot that paid off #Chargers S Derwin James has been suspended for one game for repeated violations of NFL safety rules.
“Video from the scene shows that you lowered your head and forced contact. Your continued disregard for the NFL’s playing rules will not be tolerated.” pic.twitter.com/2KUxc25zrm
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 23, 2024
