Emotions were bound to spill over in the highly anticipated NFC title game rematch between the San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles. After all, both teams had stars exchanging trash talk between the Super Bowl and leading up to the Week 13 tilt.
But those emotions became chippy after an incident involving Dre Greenlaw of the 49ers during the third quarter, leading to a much-discussed ejection of the linebacker before his team walloped the Eagles 42-19. And he wasn’t the only one who was tossed out of Lincoln Financial Stadium.
What Happened to Dre Greenlaw?
Greenlaw first executed a German suplex move on Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith near the sidelines, but that only ignited the tensions.
Then, Greenlaw is seen taking a hand swipe toward the Eagles’ senior advisor to the general manager and chief security officer Dom DiSandro — leading to his ejection.
#49ers LB Dre Greenlaw suplexed #Eagles WR DeVonta Smith then got ejected for taking a swipe at Big Dom 😳#FlyEaglesFly | #FTTB
pic.twitter.com/NJQjMtQ1JK— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) December 3, 2023
But he wasn’t the only one tossed from the game. DiSandro also ended up being removed from standing on the sidelines.
Big Dom got tossed too lol. Legend. pic.twitter.com/APFL7wSwoY
— Jimmy Kempski (@JimmyKempski) December 3, 2023
Many fans, though, questioned why the 49ers’ linebacker got removed.
Fans Share Strong Reactions to Greenlaw Ejection
NFL fans rushed to social media to give their strong reactions toward watching Greenlaw leave — and questioned why he was removed.
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For starters, one 49ers fan believed that the head of security was in the wrong toward Greenlaw.
This Head of Security had no business putting his hands on Greenlaw. pic.twitter.com/eDVEGQ0aUa
— 49erscast (@49erscast1) December 3, 2023
While one fan did believe Greenlaw was guilty of taking part, the same fan wondered if there was anything on DiSandro’s end that triggered the moment.
“Dre Greenlaw should have known better – especially since the refs are far more hospitable to Philly than any other team but I wanna know what the hell that goon was saying while trying to separate them,” the fan posted on X (formerly known as Twitter).
One other fan defended the actions of the Eagle.
“Niners fans might not want to admit it but ejecting Dre Greenlaw was the correct decision right there. The eagles worker was trying to break up a confrontation and you hit him in the face after body slamming another player… you gotta be smarter than that,” the fan shared.
Former NFL cornerback Darius Butler, however, called “BS” on tossing out Greenlaw.
“Greenlaw shouldn’t be thrown outta this game. Clearly a personal foul on the body slam. Team Security has absolutely NO BUSINESS inserting himself in that situation. SF loses their starting LB. Philly loses the head of security,” Butler posted.
Greenlaw ended the game with two solo tackles and five assisted stops, leading the team. After he left, his 49ers were ahead 28-13 in the third quarter. Specialist and veteran linebacker Oren Burks took over for Greenlaw for the rest of the game.
Pool Report Helps Explain Ejections
After the game, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport released a detailed “pool report” from PFWA reporter Zach Berman of the altercation between Greenlaw and DiSandro.
Berman asked NFL senior vice president of officiating Walt Anderson why the Eagles rep was asked to be removed. Anderson explained Rule 19 allowed Anderson and his committee to come into play.
The rule allows Anderson and others on his side to observe video of such an altercation and help determine the next outcome, which in this case was removal of player and staff member. Anderson later explained how he witnessed contact on both sides between the two people of interest in the scuffle. Anderson lastly stated how Greenlaw and DiSandro both warranted their disqualifications from the game.
Kyle Shanahan Reacts, Plus Insider Shares Potential League Action
Head coach Kyle Shanahan had a strong reaction to the scuffle.
He was seen having a heated discussion with one field judge after the decision was made to toss Greenlaw. But he didn’t mince words about his feelings toward DiSandro.
“I just can’t believe someone not involved in a football game can taunt our players like that, and put their hands in our guy’s face,” Shanahan told reporters.
Meanwhile, Sports Illustrated NFL insider Connor Orr dove deeper. He believes the league will soon make an example out of both men — but more so DiSandro.
“DiSandro should not have been there. Period. DiSandro shouldn’t have made contact with Greenlaw. Period,” Orr said.
He then pointed out another rule that will soon come into play: Section 1, Article 8.
That rule states: “Non-player personnel of a club (e.g., management personnel, coaches, trainers, equipment personnel) are prohibited from making unnecessary physical contact with or directing abusive, threatening, or insulting language or gestures at opponents, game officials, or representatives of the League.”
In the end, Greenlaw’s team had everything in control in their revenge game from the NFC title loss and completed the trouncing of Philly. But now, a final ruling involving Greenlaw and DiSandro is imminent.
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