Jon Runyan, NFL vice president of football operations, stated in a letter to Derwin James that video evidence clearly shows James lowering his head during the hit, resulting in illegal forcible contact. He emphasized that James' repeated disregard for NFL playing rules cannot be tolerated, particularly when such violations pose significant injury risks to opposing players. Runyan's comments underline the league's commitment to player safety and the necessity of imposing substantial penalties for repeated infractions.