NFL sends warning memo to teams after 49ers-Eagles scuffle
After Philadelphia Eagles director of security Dom DiSandro and San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw got into a sideline scuffle during the 49ers’ 42-13 win over the weekend, the NFL sent a “Conduct of Club Personnel on Game Day” memo to its 32 teams.
Greenlaw was ejected from Sunday’s game because his hand made contact with DiSandro’s face after he was confronted for a hard/late hit on Eagles receiver DeVonta Smith near the sideline. DiSandro was also ejected for getting into a confrontation with a player – both instances the NFL made clear it doesn’t want to see happen again.
“The Playing Rules of the National Football League, and our Game Operations Policies, clearly prohibit non-player personnel — coaches, trainers, equipment staff, security officers, or others — 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 read, via NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. “If an altercation occurs, club personnel are to allow the coaches and game officials to manage the situation, with the officials assessing appropriate penalties, with assistance from the League Office as needed. Under no circumstances are club personnel to engage with or make physical contact with another club’s player(s) or other personnel.”
Per the NFL, possible repercussions for violating the rules set forth in the memo include fines and/or suspension without pay in addition to game ejections.
The league is currently investigating the incident from Sunday’s game and additional punishment is expected to be levied against DiSandro for his involvement. According to the San Jose Mercury News, Greenlaw and DiSandro spoke after the incident and appeared to hash things out.
“He seemed like a genuine guy, a guy everybody loved in the building,” Greenlaw said. “Honestly, I really hate it even escalated and went to that. It’s something I’ve never been a part of or seen in a game.”