Derwin James got some bad news on Monday.
The star safety received word that he would be suspended for the Los Angeles Chargers next game due to “repeated violations of playing rules intended to protect the health and safety of players.”
Officially, Derwin James is suspended for forcible contact with his helmet. From NFL executive Jon Runyan to James: https://t.co/t919WkmbTl pic.twitter.com/EDw1AKrdjn
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 23, 2024
The play in question involved James lowering his head and making “forcible contact” with Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth.
“You had an unobstructed path to your opponent and the illegal contact could have been avoided,” said NFL executive Jon Runyan in a scathing letter. “Your continued disregard for NFL playing rules will not be tolerated. Substantial penalties are warranted when players violate the rules intended to protect player safety on a repeated basis, particularly when the violations carry with them a significant risk of injury to an opposing player.”
James is expected to appeal the suspension. If the appeal is denied, the star will have to miss a matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs.
This is not the first time James has been in trouble due to his play. The former Florida State Seminole was ejected from a game in 2022 after making helmet-to-helmet contact with Ashton Dulin.
When on the field, James is one of the best safeties in the league. James was drafted out of FSU in the 1st round of the 2018 NFL Draft. The defensive back has been a First-team All-Pro twice and has made 3 Pro Bowls.
James had an elite career in Tallahassee. Over 27 games, James racked up 186 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, and 3 INTs.
Bryce Lazenby covers college football for Saturday Down South. A Nashville native, his previous stops include FanSided, Dimers, and The Leaf-Chronicle.
