Following the sideline altercation that occurred during the San Francisco 49ers’ (9-3) 42-19 Week 13 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles (10-2) on Sunday, the NFL sent a memo to all 32 teams on Wednesday.According to the memo, which Tom Pelissero of NFL Network was able to obtain, gameday staff members of the teams are required to be aware of their responsibilities and refrain from intervening in altercations that occur during games or making physical contact with players from opposing teams.
“Please make sure that every employee of your game-day crew is aware that their job description does not include getting engaged in altercations on game day. And that they ought to abstain from such participation,” the memo reads.
There were 9:27 left in the third quarter when the aforementioned incident occurred. Following a 13-yard completion, 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw tackled Eagles receiver DeVonta Smith close to Philadelphia’s sideline. Smith was knocked down hard by Greenlaw, who received a warning for unwarranted roughness. Just as players from both teams started sulking at one another, DiSandro intervened. Then he touched the former Arkansas star player. Greenlaw seemed to touch DiSandro’s face with his outstretched hand. That led to the ejection of DiSandro and Greenlaw from the game.
Eagles Head Coach Nick Sirianni talks about the Dre Greenlaw and Dre Greenlaw incident.
Since 1999, DiSandro has been a member of the Eagles. According to ESPN, he also serves as senior adviser to general manager Howie Roseman. Senior vice president of officiating for the NFL Walt Anderson said that following the incident, a review in New York concluded that DiSandro was “contributing to the escalation” of the argument.
“Coaches, trainers, equipment staff, security officers, and other non-player personnel are expressly prohibited by the National Football League’s game operations policies and playing rules from making physical contact with, taunting, or using abusive or insulting language toward opposing players, game officials, or other individuals involved in a game,” the league said. “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, if necessary, will seek assistance from the league office.
“Club employees are never allowed to interact or make physical contact with players or staff from other clubs.”
Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni stated that he doesn’t think DiSandro intended to intensify the conflict.
Sirianni remarked, “Dom is as good as they get in this business.” I’m very appreciative of him. He will always make an effort to diffuse tensions. That is his job, and that is what he does. Naturally, yesterday was unfortunate. I am aware that Dom was genuinely attempting to diffuse the situation at hand. I find it unfortunate that anyone was removed from the game at this point.
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