Eagles security guard banned from sidelines for Sunday’s game
Philadelphia Eagles security chiefs Dom DiSandro will not be permitted to stand on the sidelines of Sunday night’s game against the Dallas Cowboys. The team announced the news in a statement on Saturday.
The Eagles said there is still an ongoing investigation into an incident that took place in Sunday’s loss to the San Francisco 49ers, and that the team respects the restriction that has been put in place.
DiSandro was removed from Sunday’s game after getting into a surreal altercation with 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw.
After a reception by Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith on the sidelines, DiSandro was seen pulling Greenlaw off of Smith. That was followed by Greenlaw reaching over multiple people and making contact with DiSandro.
Greenlaw was ejected from the game while the Eagles removed DiSandro from the sidelines. The 49ers were also given a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
All of that infuriated 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan who said after the game he was trying his best not to lose his cool. The 49ers still easily won the game despite the penalty and the absence of Greenlaw.
Removing DiSandro from the sidelines, for both the 49ers game and Sunday’s game, seems like an appropriate response. DiSandro’s job is to provide security and protection for the players from unruly fan behavior or other non-football related incidents. He is not supposed to involve himself with the play on the field. No person on the sidelines is.
Greenlaw said he and DiSandro exchanged apologies this week after the game. He also said he has no hard feelings for him.
It remains to be seen if there will be more punishment from the NFL as the league’s investigation continues.
The Eagles (10-2) enter the game holding a one-game lead over the Cowboys (9-3) making Sunday’s game absolutely massive for the NFC East race and the fight for the No. 1 seed (and the bye week and home field advantage in the playoffs) in the NFC.
