Table of Contents
After the confirmation of Derwin James’ one game suspension for next Sunday’s game, fans started criticizing the NFL decision.
The NFL has benched Los Angeles Chargers’ safety Derwin James for a game. Why? James hit Pittsburgh Steelers’ tight end, Pat Freiermuth, in Sunday’s game.
James caused quite a stir when he charged helmet-first into Freiermuth’s shoulder.
Famous NFL insider Adam Schefter shared the video with the caption, “Here is the play that led to the one-game suspension of Chargers safety Derwin James, who now will be out for Sunday’s game vs. the Chiefs:” on his X account.
Here is the play that led to the one-game suspension of Chargers safety Derwin James, who now will be out for Sunday’s game vs. the Chiefs: https://t.co/7SwoCinH4o pic.twitter.com/9rFpGQ5ecV
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 25, 2024
He also confirms the suspension.
The NFL declared that this was a “major breach” of the rules. Thus, he won’t be on the field for the fast-approaching match against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Still, a lot of Chargers supporters are examining the even-handedness of the NFL. They contrast James’ speedy sanction with the absence of punitive measures for Kansas City Chiefs’ wide receiver Rashee Rice, who is dealing with major legal issues.
Fans Question NFL’s Double Standards
On X, fans started arguing about the league’s double standards in dealing with James’ strike compared to Rice’s recent car crash.
Last month, Rice, aged 23, surrendered himself after allegedly triggering a pile-up while drag racing in Dallas, Texas. Several people were hurt due to this accident, bringing a slew of charges on Rice, including aggressive assault. Despite the seriousness of these indictments, Rice keeps playing for the Chiefs without any suspension.
Read news: Rashee Rice hit and run crash
One fan’s viral post summed up the frustration:
“Derwin James hits a player on the shoulder—immediate suspension. Rashee Rice crashes into a woman while street racing and runs away—NFL says ‘not enough evidence.’ Where’s the consistency?”
Some of the other NFL fans reacted to this.
Chargers safety Derwin James was suspended one game
— Chicago Jay (@Chicago_Jay1) September 25, 2024
Chiefs WR Rashee Rice has not been
Here are the videos side-by-side pic.twitter.com/UH5D1OLabH
Rashee Rice was involved in a hit and run while under the influence and played football last night https://t.co/wMTTie4NTU
— ⚡️Garrett Ferguson⚡️ (@GarrettSprints) September 24, 2024
I agree with the Derwin James suspension. This is entirely his fault.
— Drew Ortiz (@Drewisreal19283) September 24, 2024
If he would've simply just hit him and run away like Rashee Rice did we wouldn't even be having this conversation. https://t.co/BlvCKbxwhz
Derwin James hits someone with his helmet on their SHOULDER:
— 👀 (@KeeganMurrayF4N) September 25, 2024
NFL: SUSPEND HIS ASS RIGHT NOW!!!
NFL fans: “He’s been a dirty player deserved!”
Rashee rice crashes into innocent woman while street racing and runs away:
NFL: not enough evidence keep playing
pic.twitter.com/rqiLgTddiN pic.twitter.com/ZBzHgDJ63s
This is the hit that #Ch***’s WR Rashee Rice delivered March 30th on the North Central Expressway in Dallas Texas that now has him facing the #Chargers in this weeks week 4 match-up https://t.co/i2p1WKNz4O pic.twitter.com/aqtlHHg27K
— Jason Dill (@TRICHERATOPS_) September 23, 2024
Fans Demand Fairness
A lot of fans are upset by the unequal approach to two situations. They’re asking the NFL to equally examine incidents that happen during and outside of the game. Some think that if James had done the same as Rice’s “hit and run,” his suspension may not have happened.
Rice owning up to his part in the mishap isn’t winning over supporters. Fans are saying, “Okay, he admitted it, but why does he keep playing? Derwin James had to sit out a match!” This came from a tweet by a user.
A Call for NFL Transparency
With #NFLSuspensionBias buzzing on X, folks are asking for a steady and clear method in the NFL’s player punishments. Regardless if it’s an on-field tackle or an off-field legal problem, lots of people feel that the NFL’s decisions need to be the same for everyone.
Derwin James is unavailable for the upcoming Chiefs game this Sunday. Yet, chatter on X remains robust. Fans still question the fairness of the league’s player conduct policies.
