Mon Sep 23 23:08:17 UTC 2024: ## Chargers Safety Derwin James Suspended One Game for Helmet-to-Helmet Hit
Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James will miss this Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs after being suspended for one game without pay for repeated violations of playing rules. The suspension comes after James delivered a helmet-to-helmet hit on Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth on Sunday.
The NFL has been cracking down on helmet-to-helmet hits, citing player safety as the primary concern. NFL executive Jon Runyan sent a message to James directly stating that the suspension was “officially” for the “forcible contact with his helmet.” James plans to appeal the suspension.
While James argued that he did not hit Freiermuth in the head or neck, the hit was penalized for unnecessary roughness. This marks the first suspension of James’s career, despite previously being fined a total of $127,792 over five instances of unnecessary roughness.
The NFL reportedly sent a memo to over 20 players who had been suspended in the past two seasons, warning them of the league’s increased focus on player safety and stating that suspensions would be enforced.
James’ absence will be a significant loss for the Chargers, who are looking to upset the Chiefs this week. The star safety had a career year in 2022, recording 125 tackles, two sacks, an interception, and seven passes deflected.
First Piper 