Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. suspended 1 game by NFL for illegal tackles

Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. received a one-game suspension without pay from the NFL for his illegal tackle on Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth in what the league described as the latest in “repeated violations of playing rules intended to protect the health and safety of players.”

James, who can appeal the suspension, must sit out the Chargers’ game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday if it is upheld.

He was penalized for unnecessary roughness on the play, a 15-yard infraction that aided what proved to be the Steelers’ go-ahead points in their 20-10 victory over the Chargers on Sunday in Pittsburgh, a tie-breaking field goal. On replays, it was clear he lowered his head and struck Freiermuth with his helmet.der

James has been assessed five unnecessary roughing penalties in his past 18 games, according to statistics compiled by The Associated Press. Each of the five involved a blow to the head of an opponent with his helmet. Jon Runyan, the NFL’s vice president of operations, cited his past transgressions in a letter to James.

“Your continued disregard for NFL playing rules will not be tolerated,” Runyan wrote to James. “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 was reluctant to talk about his penalty after Sunday’s game.

“I’ll look at the film and see if they send me a fine,” he said, referring to the possibility of a fine from the league. “I don’t want to keep their (the Steelers’) drive going. I’m trying to get the guy (Freiermuth) on the ground. I don’t feel like I hit him in the head or the neck, but we’ll look at it.”

James wasn’t available for further comment Monday.