Chargers star Derwin James Jr. offered his first public comments on Thursday since delivering a devastating helmet-to-helmet hit that resulted in his ejection against the Colts in Week 16.
James was flagged for unnecessary roughness and disqualified from the Monday Night Football matchup after his helmet made contact with Colts receiver Ashton Dulin’s head and neck area during a tackle in the second quarter. Dulin was later ruled out with a concussion that caused him to miss Week 17 while James was also diagnosed with a concussion that sidelined him the following week.
Speaking with reporters ahead of Week 18, James explained that he was just trying to make a play, telling reporters, “I’m not a dirty player,” before re-iterating that he didn’t intend to hurt anyone.
“If you look at how I play every week, I’m not out to hurt nobody,” James said, per ESPN. “I don’t play the game that way. I wasn’t taught the game that way. I’m trying to play fast and aggressive for my team and make a play.”
The NFL initially considered a suspension for James’s hit but settled on a $25,462 fine for the former All-Pro on Dec. 31.
A day after the game, Chargers coach Brandon Staley labeled the booming hit simply as a result of the play, and criticized the Colts for putting Dulin in a compromising position.
“It’s a play where they obviously laid the guy out in a tough position, which is their fault, not ours, and Derwin [James] made an aggressive play,” Staley said. “I’ve seen him make a lot of tackles on plays just like that, and I know that his target was not above the neck. I know that.”
With his return to the lineup imminent, James will look to build some momentum for the playoff-bound Chargers in the regular season finale against the Broncos. The three-time Pro Bowler has recorded 109 tackles, four sacks, two forced fumbles and two interceptions this season.
