Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James has been suspended for one game without pay for repeatedly violating player safety rules, the league announced Monday night.
The suspension came after James hit Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth in the head with his helmet while attempting to make a tackle during a 20-10 loss to Pittsburgh on Sunday. That infraction, according to the league, is one of several James has committed recently.
James was seen attempting to take down Freiermuth during the third quarter, but he pulled his helmet down and hit him directly with it to take him down. He was called for a foul.
Here is the success that was earned #Chargers S Derwin James received a one-game suspension for repeated violations of NFL safety rules.
“Video of the play shows you lowered your head and made hard contact… Your continued disregard for NFL rules will not be tolerated.” image.twitter.com/2KUxc25zrm
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 23, 2024
James, the NFL said, had an “unobstructed path” to tackle Freiermuth, and that his illegal contact “could have been avoided.”
“We will not tolerate your continued disregard for NFL playing rules,” NFL executive Jon Runyan wrote to James in his suspension letter, via NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. “Substantial penalties are warranted when players violate rules intended to protect player safety on a repeated basis, particularly when the violations carry a significant risk of injury to a player on the opposing team.”
James is expected to appeal the suspension. If it is upheld, he will miss Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
James had eight total tackles and one sack in the 20-10 loss at Pittsburgh on Saturday. The 28-year-old is in his seventh season in the league this fall. He had a career-high 125 tackles and one interception last season.
This post will be updated with more information shortly.