NFL bars Eagles top security staffer from sideline Sunday vs. Cowboys

The NFL restricting DiSandro from the sideline Sunday does not represent a formal suspension, according to the people with knowledge of the deliberations. The NFL “is still considering all aspects of the altercation,” one of those people said. Disciplinary measures against the Eagles and DiSandro, the team’s chief security officer, apparently remain possible. In the meantime, DiSandro will not have sideline access for Sunday’s game.

NFL could discipline Eagles, security staffer for sideline incident

DiSandro, who also holds the title of senior adviser to the general manager and has been with the organization since 1999, is still permitted to perform his other duties, according to another person with knowledge of the matter, and is expected to travel with the team, be in the locker room and attend game day security meetings as usual.

“This is an ongoing conversation with the NFL, and we are going to respect the restriction that is currently in place,” the Eagles said in a written statement Saturday issued through a spokesman. “Although Dom will not be on the sideline this Sunday, he will continue to fulfill his role with the team in all other capacities.”

The Eagles have a league-best record of 10-2 and lead the Cowboys by one game in the NFC East entering Sunday’s key game.

The episode occurred during the second half of the Niners’ 42-19 triumph at Lincoln Financial Field in a rematch of last season’s NFC championship game. Greenlaw was penalized for slamming wide receiver DeVonta Smith to the turf along the Eagles’ sideline following a catch. DiSandro and others on the Eagles’ sideline objected to the hit, leading to a confrontation during which Greenlaw swiped with his left hand at DiSandro’s face.

The officials, in consultation with members of the NFL’s officiating department in New York, ejected Greenlaw. They also ordered DiSandro to leave the Eagles’ sideline.

49ers Coach Kyle Shanahan and several players said following the game they found it inappropriate that an Eagles staffer who is not a player or coach would be involved in such an incident with an opposing player.

While the NFL reviewed the incident, it sent a memo to all teams Wednesday reminding them of the relevant policies.

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The NFL wrote in the memo that league rules “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 …. Under no circumstances are club personnel to engage with or make physical contact with another club’s player(s) or other personnel.”

Greenlaw and DiSandro reportedly exchanged apologies this week.

“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 NFL wrote in Wednesday’s memo.