NFL sends memo in wake of 49ers-Eagles sideline altercation

The NFL sent a memo to all 32 teams Wednesday in the aftermath of the sideline altercation which took place during the San Francisco 49ers’ (9-3) 42-19 Week 13 win over the Philadelphia Eagles (10-2) Sunday.

The memo, obtained by Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, states that teams’ gameday staff must know their roles and abstain from getting involved in altercations that take place during games or making physical contact with another team’s player.

Following the #49ers–#Eagles sideline flap, the NFL sent this memo to clubs today: “Please ensure that all members of your game-day staff understand that their role does not extend to being involved with game day altercations and that they must refrain from such involvement.” pic.twitter.com/yJe0b8F6QB

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 6, 2023

“Please ensure that all members of your game-day staff understand that their role does not extend to being involved with game day altercations. And that they must refrain from such involvement,” the memo states.

The incident in question took place with 9:27 remaining in the third quarter. 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw tackled Eagles receiver DeVonta Smith near Philadelphia’s sideline after a 13-yard completion. Greenlaw slammed Smith to the ground and was flagged for unnecessary roughness. Players from both teams began jawing at each other before DiSandro stepped in. He then put his hands on the former Arkansas standout. Greenlaw extended his hand and appeared to make contact with DiSandro’s face. Both Greenlaw and DiSandro were ejected from the game as a result.

Eagles HC Nick Sirianni addresses Dre Greenlaw, Dom DiSandro incident

DiSandro has been with the Eagles since 1999. He also works as a senior adviser to general manager Howie Roseman, per ESPN. Walt Anderson, the NFL’s senior vice president of officiating, said a review took place in New York after the incident which determined DiSandro was “contributing to the escalation” of the argument.

“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 league stated. “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 personnel.”

Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni said he doesn’t believe it was DiSandro’s intentions to further escalate the situation.

“Dom is as good as they get in this business,” Sirianni said. “I’m so thankful for him. He is always going to try to defuse situations. That’s what he does, that’s his job. Obviously, unfortunate yesterday. I know in Dom’s heart he truly was trying to defuse the situation right there. I am sad it came to what it came to that anybody got thrown out of the game.”