For the first time in recent (or even more recent) memory, someone who was neither a player nor a coach was involved in Sunday’s action, putting his hands on a player in an attempt to break up an altercation.
Eagles security chief Dom DiSandro was ejected for his actions. The next question is whether and how much DiSandro and/or the Eagles will be punished by the league.
Gameday Operations has jurisdiction over sideline personnel, according to a source familiar with the process. Chris Palmer will be the team’s disciplinary hearing officer.
It’s hard to think of ever a situation where non-players were so directly involved in the action. Former Jets strength coach Sal Alosi in 2010 Created a sideline phalanx During a punt play. Alosi tripped Dolphins gunner Nolan Carroll.
Alosi was suspended. The teams will compete for the remainder of the season and the playoffs. He was also fined $25,000.
The Eagles could elect to take action against DiSandro. That would make the punishment a little less painful for the fan base than from 345 Park Avenue.
No matter what happens, no matter how it happens, there should be a bright line that no one other than the player can ever cross. Officials maintain order among the players and are not staff of either team. All teams need to realize that this is unacceptable. Especially if, as happened in Philadelphia, both DiSandro and 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw play, there is a strategic incentive to trade non-players for players who don’t impact the game. It is. Ejected.