Chargers Star Defender Fined Massive Amount For Unnecessary Roughness Hit vs Chiefs

The NFL imposed a fine of $66,666 on Denzel Perryman, linebacker for the Los Angeles Chargers, for unnecessary roughness and helmet usage during a play in Week 2024. This fine represents the largest penalty issued in the current season. The incident involved Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt, who was tackled by Perryman after running up the middle. Perryman lowered his head and made contact with Hunt's helmet. Notably, no penalty flag was thrown during the play, suggesting that either the referees did not observe the infraction or they deemed it not warranting a penalty.

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 29: Kareem Hunt #29 of the Kansas City Chiefs is brought down by Denzel Perryman #6 of the Los Angeles Chargers during a game at SoFi Stadium on September 29, 2024, in Inglewood, California. It is clear that the perspectives of the on-field officials and the NFL's disciplinary committee regarding the incident differ significantly. In the previous week's game, Perryman recorded eight tackles in the Chargers' 17-10 defeat to Kansas City, participating in 71 percent of the defensive plays. The league has classified Perryman's tackle as deserving of the largest fine issued this season. This decision comes on the heels of the Week 4 suspension of Chargers safety Derwin James. Perryman has been identified as a repeat offender, similar to his teammate. Following the announcement of James' one-game suspension, Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh publicly supported him.

Harbaugh remarked, as noted in the team transcript, "He exemplifies excellence in every aspect. As a teammate and captain, along with being a two-time nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award, his contributions to the Chargers and the league as a whole are remarkable. He serves as a shining example. His primary concern is not to harm any fellow player; rather, he is focused on fostering competition, which is always at the forefront of his mind. He aims to tackle in accordance with the NFL's standards." It is highly probable that Harbaugh will extend similar sentiments towards Perryman. The Chargers are currently on their bye week but will resume play in Week 6 against the Denver Broncos. Unfortunately, they will be without one of their top defensive players for this crucial divisional matchup. The consecutive suspensions of two Chargers players signal a clear message from the league regarding the team's defensive strategies. Perryman rejoined the Los Angeles organization during the offseason after being selected by the Chargers in the second round of the 2015 NFL draft. He has returned to the franchise he considers "home." In the first four games of the season, Perryman has recorded 30 tackles, including 22 solo tackles and one sack.