NFL suspends Chargers star Derwin James Jr. without pay for 'repeated violations' of unnecessary roughness

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The NFL on Monday suspended Los Angeles Chargers star safety Derwin James Jr. for one game without pay for "repeated violations of playing rules intended to protect the health and safety of players."

After reviewing the tape between the Chargers and Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, the league determined that James’ hit on tight end Pat Freiermuth was illegal, as NFL Vice President of Football Operations Jon Runyan cited Rule 12, Section 2, Article 10 (a), which states "it is a foul if a player lowers his head and makes forcible contact with his helmet against an opponent."

The hit on Freiermuth came in the third quarter, where James was flagged after launching his body, led by the helmet, into the tight end after he made a catch.

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Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) runs after a catch as Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. (bottom) and safety Alohi Gilman (32) tackle during the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Pittsburgh won 20-10. (Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images)

"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," Runyan wrote in a letter to James. "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.

"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,