Chargers' Harbaugh disagrees, 'disappointed' with James suspension
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh disagrees with the NFL's decision to suspend safety Derwin James for one game due to a hit on Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth.
"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, per Kris Rhim of ESPN.
"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. ... You can never really take the head out of the game because it's in between the two shoulders."
Here’s the hit that earned #Chargers S Derwin James a one-game suspension for repeat violations of the NFL’s safety rules.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 23, 2024
“The video of the play shows that you lowered your head and made forcible contact. … Your continued disregard for NFL playing rules will not be tolerated.” pic.twitter.com/2KUxc25zrm
James was flagged for unnecessary roughness on the play. He's had seven such penalties since 2018, the second most in the NFL.
The league sent a memo to more than 20 players before the season emphasizing the importance of safety and warning them they would be suspended if there were any violations, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.
"He has reached out on his own to officials this past summer to gain a better grasp of how they want it done," Harbaugh 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."
James will miss L.A.'s Week 4 contest against the Kansas City Chiefs after his suspension appeal was denied. Backup safeties on the Chargers include Elijah Molden and AJ Finley.