Why is Derwin James suspended? NFL cites 'repeated violations of rules' for Chargers safety's one-game ban

Kyle Irving

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Why is Derwin James suspended? NFL cites 'repeated violations of rules' for Chargers safety's one-game ban image

The NFL suspended Chargers safety Derwin James for one game without pay Monday because of a violation of the league's safety rules.

James is known for being one of the hardest-hitting defensive backs in the league, but his reputation may have worked against him in this ruling. James delivered another big hit on Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth in Los Angeles' Week 3 loss, and the NFL disciplined the veteran safety as a result.

For more information on James' suspension, The Sporting News has you covered below.

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Why was Derwin James suspended?

The NFL suspended James for one game without pay for "repeated violations of player rules intended to protect the health and safety of players, including during this Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers," per NFL insider Ian Rapoport.

James will appeal the suspension, but he is expected to be sidelined for the Chargers' Week 4 game against the Chiefs on Sept. 29 as a result.

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"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," the NFL's statement to James said, according to Rapoport.

"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."

The NFL's statement also mentioned James' history of dirty hits.

"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 has been called for seven unnecessary roughness penalties since 2018, tying Marshon Lattimore and Jordan Poyer for the second most in the NFL in that span, per ESPN. Only Xavier Woods with eight has more.

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Derwin James hit on Pat Freirmuth

Take a look at the hit that earned James a tentative one-game suspension by the league office.

James was flagged for unnecessary roughness on the play.

Kyle Irving

Kyle Irving Photo

You read that wrong – not Kyrie Irving. From Boston, graduated from the University of New Hampshire. Sixth season as a content producer for NBA.com's Global editions. Covering the NBA Draft has become his annual "dream come true" moment on the job. Irving has a soft spot for pass-first point guards, with Rajon Rondo and Steve Nash being two of his favorite players of all time.