Amanda Perobelli/Reuters via Imagn Images

Chargers Safety Derwin James Receives Hefty Punishment From NFL

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Sep 20, 2025 7:07 PM ET

Derwin James Jr. and the Los Angeles Chargers couldn't have asked for a better start to the 2025 NFL season, securing a 2-0 record after a 20-9 win over Geno Smith and the Las Vegas Raiders. Smith had trouble getting things going against the Chargers' secondary, throwing three interceptions. James, on the other hand, tallied seven tackles and two pass deflections.

With 11:26 remaining in the second quarter, Smith hit running back Ashton Jeanty in the backfield before the rookie spun around James for a four-yard gain, downed by Chargers defensive tackle Naquan Jones at the Los Angeles 17-yard line.

In the end, the Raiders settled for a field goal on that possession, decreasing the Los Angeles lead to 10-6.

While no flag was thrown on the four-yard catch from Jeanty, the NFL still hit James with a $17,389 fine for an "unnecessary roughness/leg whip," which is "the act of sticking out the leg to block or tackle an opponent."

James, however, wasn't the only NFL player fined for a "leg whip" tackle. Dallas Cowboys tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford was fined $5,370 for the same action, while Tampa Bay Buccaneers tackle Charlie Heck was charged $8,722.

"The NFL fined Derwin James $17,389 for unnecessary roughness, citing this 'leg whip' on Raiders RB Ashton Jeanty," wrote ESPN's Kris Rhim on X.

The NFL fined Derwin James $17,389 for unnecessary roughness, citing this “leg whip” on Raiders RB Ashton Jeanty pic.twitter.com/1WtMHpbULv
— Kris Rhim (@krisrhim1) September 20, 2025