The NFL’s sideline ban for Dom DiSandro is yet another overreaction.
He won’t be leaving the team tunnel; instead, he will carry out all other tasks and remain in the locker room. This is Marcus Hayes’ perspective on the subject.
Following DiSandro’s incident with Dre Greenlaw, Eagles Chief Security Officer Dom DiSandro (right) and head coach Nick Sirianni (left) speak with officials.Photographer David Maialetti / Staff
Dom DiSandro’s sideline ban was extended by the NFL on Friday until the end of the regular season. It’s the most recent overreaction to a problem the NFL brought up on its own.
DiSandro is the head of security for the Eagles. During Eagles games, he stands by Eagles coach Nick Sirianni, following an Eagles custom that has been carried out for nearly 30 years and that many other teams have imitated. Two weeks ago, DiSandro got into a brief physical and verbal argument on the Eagles sideline with 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw. At Sirianni and DiSandro’s feet, Greenlaw gave DeVonta Smith a body smash that went out of bounds. DiSandro told Greenlaw something was “[B.S.]” and used a gentle shove to separate the players while Sirianni scowled at the referees. DiSandro was given a finger shove by Greenlaw.
Greenlaw was given a warning by the officials for the hit, but they later alerted the NFL, whose fanatical disciplinarian, legendary Eagle Troy Vincent, expelled both Greenlaw and DiSandro.
Additional punishment followed from this ruling: DiSandro was barred from the sidelines during the Eagles’ trip to Dallas, and Greenlaw was fined $10,927. For the remainder of the season, you won’t see Big Dom after this.
He won’t be leaving the team tunnel; instead, he will carry out all other tasks and remain in the locker room.
READ MORE: Get to know the Eagles’ enigmatic leader, their “Papa Bear” security head with a golden heart.
A couple of things:
Only officials, coaches, and players should be permitted to watch from the sidelines by any team. Not a single security director. One large person in sunglasses cannot protect their coach if 53 NFL players are unable to do so.
The act of ejecting Greenlaw created a ridiculous precedent. An NFL team would give up its head of security for a player with Greenlaw’s calibre. Why wouldn’t a team official go after a rival player who is getting close to the sidelines, provoke a fight, and have the player removed? It sounds like the next move for Bill Belichick.
DiSandro defends Sirianni from himself, which fulfils a dual role. Sirianni ought to reap the consequences of his actions if he lacks self-control.
DiSandro had good intentions. He was bringing about peace. Should he have acted too forcefully for bland commissioner Roger Goodell’s taste, Goodell ought to spend a Saturday night in any arbitrary pub in South Philadelphia. He will recognise the signs of excessive diplomacy and value Big Dom’s reserve.
It only takes one game. Since joining the Eagles in 1999, DiSandro has developed a reputation for professionalism, devotion, and kindness that is unrivalled in the NFL. He has amassed boundless gratitude from athletes and executives and is incredibly well-liked everywhere.
