The NFL confirmed on Tuesday that Derwin James Jr., safety for the Los Angeles Chargers, will serve his suspension.
Hearing officer Derrick Brooks, who was appointed by both the league and the players’ union, made the decision.
James received a one-game suspension without pay from the NFL on Monday due to repeated violations of rules meant to protect players’ health and safety.
He has the highest number of unnecessary roughness penalties among defensive players, with five in his last 18 games. All five penalties involved hitting opponents in the head with his shoulder or helmet.
According to contract information from the NFL Players Association, this suspension will cost him $708,333 in salary.
Jon Runyan, the league’s vice president of football operations, pointed out that the NFL prohibits lowering the head and making contact with the helmet. He highlighted a specific incident where James targeted Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth during the third quarter of a 20-10 loss to Pittsburgh as a significant factor in the decision.
“Your continued disregard for NFL playing rules will not be tolerated,” Runyan stated in a letter to James.
After the game, James mentioned that he didn’t ask the referee for an explanation regarding his penalty.
“I’m not here to referee; I’m playing fast and not thinking about a flag,” he said.
The Chargers, with a record of 2-1, will face Kansas City, who is 3-0, on Sunday.
Before the suspension was announced, Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh said he wasn’t worried about James being overly aggressive.
“Keep Derwin doing Derwin,” Harbaugh stated. “He has found that sweet spot of playing aggressively and within the rules all at the same time. That is what I have noticed.”
In addition, James was ejected from a Week 16 Monday night game against Indianapolis in 2022 after receiving two personal fouls in just three plays, which included hitting Colts wide receiver Ashton Dulin with the crown of his helmet.
Last season, James was fined $91,027 by the NFL for unnecessary roughness penalties and hits on defenseless players.
