A transceiver module that utilizes a side contact spring portion to ground a shielded cable that is plugged into the transceiver module. In one example embodiment, a transceiver module includes a housing, a jack, and a side contact spring portion. The housing is operative to be electrically connected to chassis ground when the transceiver module is received within a host port. The jack is defined in the housing and operative to receive a shielded plug. The side contact spring portion is substantially implemented within the jack and is configured to be in electrical contact with both the housing and a conductive element of the shielded plug received by the jack such that a chassis ground is established between the housing and the shielded plug and such that a moveable bail pivot lever is able to move without disrupting the electrical contact between the side contact spring portion and the housing and/or the conductive element of the shielded plug.