Following a sideline altercation between San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw and Philadelphia Eagles director of security Dom DiSandro during the 49ers’ 42-13 victory over the weekend, the NFL distributed a note to its 32 teams titled “Conduct of Club Personnel on Game Day”.
After being called for a late, hard hit on Eagles receiver DeVonta Smith close to the sideline, Greenlaw was shown the red card and was removed from the game on Sunday. This was due to the fact that his hand touched DiSandro’s face. DiSandro was also sent off for altercating with a player; the NFL has stated that it does not want these incidents to recur.
“Coaches, trainers, equipment staff, security officers, and other non-player personnel are expressly prohibited by the National Football League’s Playing Rules and our Game Operations Policies from making physical contact with, taunting, or directing abusive or insulting language toward opposing players, game officials, or others involved in a game,” the memo stated, as obtained by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. “Club employees are expected to let the coaches and game officials handle any altercations that may arise. The officials will determine the proper penalties and will seek assistance from the League Office as needed. Club employees are never allowed to interact or make physical contact with players or staff from other clubs.
49ers' Dre Greenlaw has been disqualified from tonight's game after this incident on the Eagles sideline. pic.twitter.com/2N4W17N8u9
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) December 3, 2023
In addition to game ejections, the NFL states that fines and/or unpaid suspensions may be imposed for breaking the guidelines outlined in the letter.
The incident from Sunday’s game is presently being looked into by the league, and DiSandro is anticipated to face further sanctions for his involvement. Greenlaw and DiSandro reportedly spoke and seemed to work things out following the altercation, according to the San Jose Mercury News.
According to Greenlaw, “he seemed like a genuine guy, a guy everybody loved in the building.” To be completely honest, I detest that it even got to that point. I’ve never witnessed or participated in anything like that in a game.
