Already combating accidents to 4 key starters, together with quarterback Justin Herbert, the Chargers will be with out security Derwin James Jr. towards the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs because the NFL suspended the three-time All-Professional for repeated violations of security guidelines.
The NFL introduced the one-game suspension with out pay Monday after James earned an pointless roughness penalty on a hit on Pittsburgh Steelers tight finish Pat Freiermuth.
Underneath the collective bargaining settlement, James could enchantment the suspension.
Because the begin of the 2023 season, the 28-year-old has drawn 5 pointless roughness penalties in 18 video games, which is essentially the most amongst defensive gamers, in keeping with the Related Press.
Whereas asserting the suspension, NFL vice chairman of soccer operations Jon Runyan despatched a letter to James, saying the Chargers staff captain lowered his head and made forcible contact with Freiermuth.
“You had an unobstructed path to your opponent,” the letter shared by the NFL learn, “and the illegal contact could have been avoided.”
When requested of the penalty after the sport Sunday, James stated within the locker room he hadn’t watched the tape but.
“I’m not here to referee,” James stated. “I’m playing fast and I’m not thinking about the flag.”
The penalty was one in every of three defensive flags on the Chargers on one third-quarter drive that led to the Steelers kicking a tiebreaking subject objective. Mixed with a 15-yard completion, James’ penalty resulted in a 30-yard acquire on third and 4.
“I don’t want to keep the drive going,” James continued. “I’m trying to get the guy on the ground. I don’t feel like I hit him in the head or in the neck.”
Steelers tight finish Pat Freiermuth is tackled by Chargers Alohi Gilman (32) and Derwin James Jr.
(Matt Freed / Related Press)
Video of the play exhibits the highest of James’ helmet colliding with the facet of Freiermuth’s helmet because the 6-foot-5, 288-pound tight finish had simply caught a move over the center and was turning upfield.
James advised reporters in the course of the offseason that he was engaged on modifying his tackling method to keep away from the pricey penalties. Final week, defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, who has labored to instill a extra bodily type to his gamers, counseled James’ means to embrace robust play whereas avoiding penalties.
“Derwin’s going to keep doing Derwin,” Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh stated Monday when requested about James’ penalty historical past. “He has found that sweet spot of playing very, very aggressively and within the rules all at the same time, that’s what I’ve noticed.”
If James appeals, a choice could possibly be made in time to reverse the suspension for the sport Sunday. An enchantment can be heard and determined by Derrick Brooks, Ramon Foster, Kevin Mawae, or Jordy Nelson, the listening to officers who’re collectively appointed and compensated by the NFL and NFL Gamers Assn.
