EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James said Wednesday that his one-game suspension was “very disappointing.”
The NFL suspended James for the Chargers’ loss to the Chiefs in Week 4 due to “repeated violations” of the player health and safety rules. In Week 3, James was called for his fifth unnecessary roughness penalty in two seasons after hitting Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth over the middle. James appealed, and the suspension was upheld.
When asked Wednesday if this suspension will change him as a player, James said, “No, it ain’t going to change s—t. It’s definitely not going to change nothing.”
James said his plan is to “just get lower” with his target when hitting. James said he “for sure” believes the league is creating an environment in which defensive players are incentivized to target offensive players’ legs.
“They’re calling it, man,” James said “We just got to adjust. I don’t want to hurt my team. Play clean football, man, and make plays, that’s all I’m trying to do.”
James lost his Week 4 game check as part of the suspension.
“I’m not going to keep paying 700, 800,000 (dollars),” James said. “I’m not going to do that. So, for sure, whatever they want.
James was not allowed in the Chargers’ facility last week as he was serving his suspension. His suspension was officially lifted Tuesday. He participated in Wednesday’s practice, the Chargers’ final time on the field before players get the weekend off for the bye.
“I’m not the only defender going through it,” James said of the league’s emphasis on what it deems illegal hits. “Everybody’s trying to adjust it (to) how they want us to play the game. We’re going to keep seeing the ways of how to do it
(Photo: Carmen Mandato / Getty Images)
