Derwin James suspension – Syndication Server

Derwin James on playing style after suspension: ‘I ain’t going to change s***’

Derwin James is one of the hardest-hitting players in the league and he doesn’t plan on changing that, even after getting suspended.

Derwin James was suspended for this past Sunday’s game against the Chiefs for repeated violations of the playing rules.

The hard-hitting safety returned to practice Wednesday and said that the punishment he received would not force him to change his playing style.

“No, it ain’t going to change s**,” James said, per ESPN’s Kris Rhim. “It’s definitely not going to change nothing. Like I said, I’m just going to go lower. I’m not going to change.”

James will focus on hitting players underneath where they are holding the ball.

“I’m not going to keep paying 700, 800 thousand [dollars],” James added.

James was hit with an unnecessary roughness penalty and suspension for a hit he made on Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth in Week 3. He appealed the suspension, but hearing officer Derrick Brooks upheld it.

James has five unnecessary roughness penalties in his past 18 games, the most by a defensive player in that time span. All were to the head with his shoulder or helmet.

James will return to the playing field in Week 5 when the Chargers travel to Denver to face the Broncos.

In three games, James has 21 tackles and a sack.

Jim Harbaugh voices disappointment over Derwin James’ one-game suspension

Jim Harbaugh is not pleased with Derwin James’ one-game suspension by the NFL.

James was suspended by the league on Monday for a hit to Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth in the third quarter of the Chargers’ 20-10 loss this past Sunday. He was flagged for unnecessary roughness.

“There was not a defenseless player; [he] changed his course, and I thought that Derwin’s helmet was stiff-armed by Mr. Freiermuth,” Harbaugh said. “I thought [the stiff-arm] caused his head to make the contact and I thought the contact was first with the forearm, then the shoulder, then the head.”

James’s appeal was upheld by hearing officer Derrick Brooks, who is jointly appointed by the NFL and NFL Players’ Association. As a result, he will miss this weekend’s game against the Chiefs.

James has five unnecessary roughness penalties in his past 18 games, which are the most in the league by a defensive player. All were to the head with his shoulder or helmet.

Harbaugh said that James has made an effort to avoid these penalties.

“He has reached out on his own to officials this past summer to gain a better grasp of how they want it done,” he said. “And the evidence is right there in the tape. I mean, look at all his 20-some tackles on the season and he’s going out his way … so that he can not injure another player or hit him with the head. So yeah, I’m disappointed.”

While James is sidelined this weekend, Elijah Molden would be in line to start opposite Alohi Gilman. They also have AJ Finley and Tony Jefferson will likely be promoted from the practice squad.

Chargers’ Derwin James Jr. suspended 1 game for helmet-to-helmet collision

Chargers star Derwin James has been suspended 1 game for a helmet-to-helmet hit in Week 3. As expected, the safety will appeal the ruling.

Chargers star safety Derwin James’ physicality was on full display on Sunday against the Steelers. Unfortunately, it was a bit too much for the NFL’s liking. James was penalized for unnecessary roughness amidst the Chargers’ loss to the Steelers for a hit on tight end Pat Freiermuth.

On Monday, the league escalated the situation and suspended James for one game without pay for repeatedly violating player safety rules. The 15-yard penalty was one of several costly second-half flags from the Chargers, which the players discussed after the game.

The three-time Pro Bowler has become one of the hardest hitters in the NFL, but the league has tightened up on these plays. Freiermuth has dealt with several concussions in his young career, and the hit was a direct risk to another one.

The ruling shows how much the league has changed over the last 10 years. They’ve made it a point of emphasis to prioritize player safety, and rightfully so. Unfortunately, though, a lot of the physicality in the game has been eliminated.

The suspension sends a clear message to the rest of the league for the 2024 season. In an official statement, NFL Vice President of Football Operations Jon Runyan mentioned James “lowered his head and made forcible contact with his helmet against an opponent.”

As expected, James will appeal the league’s ruling. After all of the injuries the Chargers sustained on Sunday, this is the last bit of news that they needed. If and when James does miss a game, it will be a huge loss.

Through three weeks, James has been elite in defending the run. He’s been a vital part of the defense turning things around in Los Angeles. Most importantly, James has been able to stay healthy so far this season. We’ll see if the league overturns its ruling, but based on the official statement, that seems unlikely.

Chargers’ Derwin James in concussion protocol, will not be suspended for hit

Derwin James was ejected for leading with his helmet and launching himself into Ashton Dulin’s helmet on a hit.

Chargers star safety Derwin James has entered concussion protocol following Monday night’s win over the Colts, head coach Brandon Staley said at his post-game media availability.

James was ejected in the first quarter after hitting wide receiver Ashton Dulin in the head and neck area with the crown of his helmet. Dulin also didn’t return to the game after being diagnosed with a concussion.

Additionally, James will not be suspended for the hit on Dulin, according to NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero. However, Pelissero added James could still be fined.

Before being ejected, James had a leaping interception in the first quarter, marking his second of the season.

James returned to the playing field after missing Weeks 14 and 15 with a quadriceps injury.

When James left, Alohi Gilman was thrust into the action, where he was outstanding, replicating the level of play from the two previous games when he was the starter in place of James.