The NFL announced this past weekend that it has banned Dom DiSandro, the security chief for the Philadelphia Eagles, from being on the sideline for the remainder of the 2023 regular season. The ban comes after DiSandro was ejected from a game earlier this month for getting into an altercation with San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw.
According to two anonymous sources familiar with the league’s decision, DiSandro can return to the Eagles sideline once the playoffs begin. While he is barred from being on the sidelines for Philadelphia’s last two regular season games, DiSandro can still travel with the team and carry out his other duties.
The incident occurred during the Eagles’ Home loss against the 49ers on December 4th. After San Francisco linebacker Dre Greenlaw tackled Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith well out of bounds, DiSandro was seen on video pulling Greenlaw off of Smith and shouting at the linebacker. Greenlaw then popped up and put his hand in DiSandro’s face, prompting the security chief’s ejection.
Greenlaw was assessed an unnecessary roughness penalty on the play and later fined over $10,000. Meanwhile, DiSandro was told to leave the field, walking back to the locker room to cheers from the notoriously passionate Eagles fans.
The NFL reacted swiftly, sending a memo to all teams last week stating that non-player personnel cannot make physical contact with opposing players. The memo also reinforced that only officials or coaches should attempt to break up scrums. It warned that violations could result in fines or suspensions.
DiSandro met directly with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell about the incident. The league then barred him from the sideline for Philadelphia’s Sunday night matchup in Dallas this past weekend. Instead, DiSandro watched the road contest from the visiting tunnel.
The well-respected 45-year old DiSandro has been with the Eagles organization since 1999. He serves not only as the team’s security director but also a key advisor to General Manager Howie Roseman. DiSandro oversees all player, coach and executive safety and security operations. This includes directing protective measures for team travel and facilities. He also educates staff on the NFL’s personal conduct policy.
While DiSandro generally prefers to avoid the spotlight, he is frequently captured on camera given his highly visible role. The ban through the end of the regular season serves as a message from the league office that non-player staff also must adhere to strict conduct policies. It remains to be seen whether this punishment will curb future sideline confrontations as tensions rise during the impending playoffs.
The Eagles have two regular season contests remaining before likely securing a postseason spot. Barring separate discipline, DiSandro will resume his customary place on the sideline as Philadelphia looks to make a deep playoff run. His temporary absence marks an unusual wrinkle as the team prepares for a vital stretch in their Super Bowl pursuit.
