In response to the recent altercation between Philadelphia Eagles security head Dom DiSandro and San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw, the NFL has sent a strong message to its teams regarding sideline decorum. The league stressed in a document distributed to all teams that it is not acceptable for staff members to become involved in altercations on game day and that it is crucial that they understand their jobs.The NFL warned all teams in a memo received today after the 49ers-Eagles game on Sunday that staff members are not allowed to “be involved with game day altercations and that they must refrain from such involvement.” screenshot.twitter.com/rpxBxXlW9p
The email made it clear that employees who work game days shouldn’t get into fights or touch players from the other team. It was a direct reaction to what happened on Sunday during the San Francisco 49ers vs. Philadelphia Eagles game, where Greenlaw and DiSandro got into a sideline altercation.
The league stressed in the email, as reported by NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero, “Please ensure that all members of your game-day staff understand that their role does not extend to being involved with game day altercations and that they must refrain from such involvement.”
DiSandro stepped in to break up the play, which happened when Greenlaw hit Eagles receiver DeVonta Smith close to the sideline. Greenlaw and DiSandro got into a fight as a result, and the linebacker hit the security chief in the face. DiSandro and Greenlaw were both removed from the game, and the league is now looking into the event to see whether to take any disciplinary action.
The email from the league warned teams that it is strictly forbidden for non-player employees, such as coaches, trainers, equipment staff, and security officers, to physically touch, taunt, or use abusive language toward other players, officials, or anyone else participating in the game.
“Coaches, trainers, equipment staff, security officers, and other non-player personnel are expressly prohibited by the National Football League’s game operations policies and playing rules from making physical contact with, taunting, or using abusive or insulting language toward opposing players, game officials, or other individuals involved in a game,” the league said. “Club staff members are expected to let the coaches and game officials handle any altercations. The officials will determine the proper penalties and will seek assistance from the league office as needed.”
The league emphasized that club employees should let coaches and referees handle altercations, and that fines will be meted out appropriately.
