A scuffle on the sideline during Sunday’s 49ers-Eagles game resulted in the ejection of 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw and the ejection of Eagles security chief Dom DiSandro.
Regarding possible disciplinary action against the Eagles and DiSandro, the NFL said, “This matter is still under review.”
Several factors may contribute to the final result. First, DiSandro was on the white line between the field and the sideline. The NFL rulebook makes it clear that the only people who should be within the white line are the chain crew and game officials (and, of course, the only people who should be inside the white line) (sometimes players do). DiSandro should never have been on the white stripes. Video of the incident shows he was.
Additionally, two advance memos sent by the league during the 2023 season apply to this situation. First, the NFL sent a memo to all teams on October 18th. Regarding the increase in fights before and during matches. Regarding non-players, the October 18 memo stipulates:[a]new york. . . Club personnel involved in a fight at any time before, during or after the match will be subject to liability measures in addition to disqualification. ” Such penalties could include, but are not limited to, “heavy fines and/or suspension without pay.”
A Sept. 13 memo from the league to all teams specifically targeted “non-player personnel actions.”
“Article 8, Rule 13 of the 2023 Official Playing Rules states: “Non-player personnel of the club (such as management, coaches, trainers, equipment personnel, etc.) shall not engage in unnecessary physical “Contact or the giving of abusive or threatening instructions or insulting words or gestures toward opponents, game officials, or league representatives is prohibited,” the memo, a copy of which was obtained by PFT, is prohibited. is explained. “Infractions before or during the match may also result in disqualification. Infractions at the match venue on the day of the match, including after the match, may result in disciplinary action by the Commissioner. As a member of our staff, you must make it your top priority to embody the NFL values of integrity, resilience, respect, and responsibility to your team. We must set standards of excellence for everyone, including our players. there is.
“Inappropriate and abusive behavior towards game officials will not be tolerated and [in] In addition to on-field penalties, liability measures will also be taken. In addition to interacting with NFL game officials, situations may arise during a game where you interact with opposing players. All these situations must be handled professionally, avoiding actions that could provoke the adversary or lead to an escalation of the incident. ”
Apparently, DiSandro’s attempt to pull Greenlaw away from Eagles receiver DeVonta Smith provoked Greenlaw’s punch. Some may say that DiSandro was simply trying to keep the peace, while others may say that DiSandro’s actions incited the act to oust Greenlaw.
In addition to these memos, a source familiar with the situation told PFT that the league office had been in contact with both teams before the game due to concerns about the possibility of an incident between the two teams. The NFL has not specifically confirmed any such exchange. However, the league often holds discussions with clubs before games.
The final outcome remains unknown. Some believe that harsh penalties are necessary to deter other non-players from committing similar acts in the future. The Eagles clearly do not support such a decision and would like to see some line drawn going forward regarding what is and is not allowed.
The NFL’s response to that may be quite simple. That’s what the memo was for.