Chargers' Derwin James focused on playing 'clean football' after suspension: 'That's all I'm trying to do'

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) — Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James said Wednesday that his one-game suspension was “very disappointing.”

The NFL suspended James in the Chargers' Week 4 loss to the Chiefs for “repeated violations” of player health and safety rules. In Week 3, James received his fifth unnecessary roughness penalty in two seasons after hitting Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth in the middle. James appealed and the suspension was upheld.

Asked on Wednesday whether this suspension will change him as a player, James said: “No, it won’t change. “It definitely won’t change.”

James said his plan was to “just get deeper” with his aim when hitting. James said he “certainly” believes the league is creating an environment where defensive players have an incentive to target the legs of offensive players.

“You name it, man,” James said, “we just have to adapt. I don't want to harm my team. Playing clean football, man, and making plays, that’s all I’m trying to do.”

James lost his Week 4 game check as a result of the suspension.

“I’m not going to keep paying 700, 800,000 (dollars),” James said. “I won't do that. So definitely whatever they want.

James was not allowed into the Chargers' facility last week as he served his suspension. His suspension was officially lifted on Tuesday. He attended Wednesday's practice, the last time the Chargers took the field before players had the weekend off to say goodbye.

“I’m not the only defenseman going through this,” James said of the league’s emphasis on what it considers illegal hits. “Everyone is trying to adapt it to how we should play the game. We will continue to look for ways to do this

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(Photo: Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)