Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James Jr.‘s suspension has been upheld by the NFL. The decision was made by hearing officer Derrick Brooks, who was jointly appointed by the league and the players’ union.

James has been assessed five unnecessary roughing penalties in his past 18 games, including one during Sunday’s game against the Steelers.

The NFL handed James a one-game suspension Monday night for repeatedly breaking player safety rules, last exhibited during the Chargers' 20–10 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. In the third quarter of that game at Acrisure Stadium, James made helmet-to-helmet contact with Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth while trying to bring him down.