NFL suspends Derwin James for hit on Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth
The NFL has suspended Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James for one game following his hit on Pittsburgh Steelers safety Pat Freiermuth. Per multiple reports, James’ suspension is for “repeated violations of playing rules intended to protect the health and safety of players.”
Jon Runyan, the NFL vice president of football operations said in his letter to James, “Your continued disregard for NFL playing rules will not be tolerated.” James’ suspension is without pay, and he can appeal.
In the letter, Runyan explained to James why he was being suspended. “During the third quarter of Sunday’s Chargers-Steelers game you were involved in a play that the League considers a serious violation of the playing rules,” he said. “The video of the play shows that you lowered your head and made forcible contact to Steelers tight end, Pat Freiermuth. You had an unobstructed path to your opponent and the illegal contact could have been avoided.”
Runyan added: 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.”
Derwin James talks about hit on Pat Freiermuth
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James will be eligible to return to the Chargers on Monday, Sept. 30. As of now, the former Florida State star will miss the team’s Sept. 29 game against the Kansas City Chiefs. If James appeals, he will be heard and decided by either Derrick Brooks, Ramon Foster, Kevin Mawae, or Jordy Nelson, the hearing officers jointly appointed and compensated by the NFL and NFLPA.
After the game, James talked about the hit he made on Freiermuth. “Yeah, of course [it was frustrating], he said. “Like I said, I don’t want to keep the driver going. I’m trying to get the guy on the ground. I don’t feel like I hit him in the head or neck, but we’ll look at it. “
James, 28, has been one of the best safeties in the NFL since entering the league in 2018. In his career, James has been named to the Pro Bowl and the All-Pro Team three times.