Unpacking Derwin James Jr.’s NFL Suspension Announcement

Player Repercussions Following Rule Violations

On Monday, the National Football League (NFL) announced a one-game suspension for Los Angeles Chargers’ safety, Derwin James Jr., without pay. The suspension was enforced due to James’ repeated disregard for rules designed to safeguard players’ health and wellness, including during a recent game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The details of the appeal lodged by James against this suspension remain to be seen.

If the suspension stands, the NFL player will be allowed back on the Chargers’ active roster on Monday, September 30, following the team’s September 29 game against the Kansas City Chiefs. James’ infraction occurred during the third quarter of the Chargers’ 20-10 loss to the Steelers, where he was penalized for unnecessary roughness following a hit on Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth.

Official Warning from NFL Operations

In the official NFL announcement, a letter from Jon Runyan, vice president of football operations, addressed James. The letter stated that video evidence showed James intentionally lowering his head to deliver a forceful, and illegal, hit with his helmet – an action that could have been prevented.

Emphasizing Player Safety

Runyan’s letter highlighted the imperatives of player safety and rule adherence. He wrote, “Your ongoing noncompliance with NFL playing rules will not be overlooked. Significant penalties are justified when players habitually violate safety rules, especially when these infractions pose a high risk of injury to the opposing player.”

James’ career has seen him called out for seven instances of unnecessary roughness, a record he shares with Marshon Lattimore and Jordan Poyer. They rank second in the NFL since 2018, with Xavier Woods leading with eight violations. Notably, James accrued these penalties in fewer games: his 69th game was on Sunday, compared to Lattimore’s 79, Woods’ 92, and Poyer’s 94.

James’ Response to the NFL’s Decision

Following Sunday’s game, a disgruntled James expressed his frustration over the call and mentioned that he has given up seeking clarifications from officials. “I’ll review the game tape and see if they’ve sent me a fine or similar,” James stated. “My goal was to bring the guy down. I don’t think I hit him in the head or neck, but we’ll see after reviewing it.”