Los Angeles Chargers Coach Jim Harbaugh Speaks on Derwin James Jr.'s Suspension Ahead of Kansas City Chiefs Matchup

Wednesday, September 25th, 2024

Jim Harbaugh, coach of the Los Angeles Chargers, shared his disappointment and disagreement with the NFL regarding the suspension of safety Derwin James Jr. for the upcoming game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

The suspension came after James struck Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth during the third quarter of their Week 3 game, a match that the Chargers lost. Harbaugh contends that Freiermuth's positioning contributed to the illegal hit by James.

Harbaugh stressed that James has made efforts to avoid unnecessary roughness penalties by seeking guidance from officials to enhance his technique.

Despite these efforts, James has incurred seven penalties for unnecessary roughness since 2018, ranking second-highest in the league within that period.

In the suspension notice, Jon Runyan indicated that James lowered his head when making the hit, thus breaching player safety regulations.

Derrick Brooks denied James' appeal against the suspension. As a result, Elijah Molden and AJ Finley will act as backup safeties for the Chargers.

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