The 49ers vs. Eagles game got chippy late in the Week 13 rematch of the 2023 NFC championship game, and it resulted in a couple of ejections.
For the 49ers, starting linebacker Dre Greenlaw was tossed from the game. His ejection came after he threw DeVonta Smith to the ground and got into a scuffle with several people on the Eagles sideline.
Meanwhile, the Eagles lost their security chief Dom DiSandro. The man commonly known as “Big Dom” was tossed after being among those who got into it with Greenlaw after he tackled Smith.
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Here’s what to know about the ejections and how they might impact the rest of the 49ers vs. Eagles game.
Why was Dre Greenlaw ejected?
Greenlaw was ejected after a sequence that saw him suplex Smith and get into it on the sideline with DiSandro.
Greenlaw’s throwdown of Smith came well after the whistle had blown with the receiver out of bounds. The tackle drew the ire of the Eagles, who swarmed to bring sideline support to Smith.
Tempers are flaring between the 49ers and Eagles in Philly. pic.twitter.com/rnylqh4pWY
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) December 3, 2023
That’s where DiSandro came in. He was jawing with Greenlaw as Smith went face-to-face with him, and eventually, that drew the attention of the 49ers linebacker. That’s when he decided to take a swipe at DiSandro.
49ers’ Dre Greenlaw has been disqualified from tonight’s game after this incident on the Eagles sideline. pic.twitter.com/2N4W17N8u9
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) December 3, 2023
After that and his takedown of Smith, the officials elected to send Greenlaw to the showers early. He expressed displeasure at that decision but he ultimately went to the 49ers sideline and back to the locker room.
Before his ejection, Greenlaw had a team-high seven tackles. His absence will likely open up more playing time for Oren Burks, who serves as the team’s linebacker in their base 4-3 defense.
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Who is ‘Big Dom’?
“Big Dom” is the nickname of DiSandro, who is the Eagles’ head of security. He is a beloved figure in the Philadelphia locker room and has reached a cult following status among fans.
Recently, DiSandro was tapped to pick up visiting linebacker Shaquille Leonard from the airport. That post received numerous comments about the presence of “Big Dom,” who has been described by the Philadelphia Inquirer as a “mystery man” who has “a heart of gold.”
Former Colts All Pro linebacker Shaq Leonard has arrived in Philly to meet with the Eagles at the NovaCare Complex. Security boss Dom DiSandro welcoming him. He will take a physical and meet with the team. pic.twitter.com/aFCVetLWUW
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) November 29, 2023
DiSandro was evidently showing his tougher side on the sideline Sunday. His interaction with Greenlaw was enough to get him booted from the sideline, however.
Still, the Eagles fans didn’t mind that exchange. In fact, they may have been happy that Big Dom was able to knock one of San Francisco’s key playmakers out of the game without costing the Eagles anything but some additional security on the sideline.
Will ‘Big Dom’ be suspended?
That said, Nick Sirianni apologized to Kyle Shanahan for DiSandro’s involvement in the incident, as Mike Florio reported on NBC’s Football Night In America. He also reports that DiSandro is expected to face discipline from the NFL for his actions, whether it comes in the form of a fine or a suspension.
If Shanahan has his way, it will be significant. He said after the game that he was “not a fan” of a non-player (DiSandro) getting involved in an on-field matter.
Kyle Shanahan tell us he was “not a fan” of a non-player getting involved here. “I tried my hardest not to lose my cool” but he was very frustrated.
Shanahan said Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni handled it with class, didn’t approve of Dom DiSandro actions either. https://t.co/SgUpFW0omd
— Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) December 4, 2023
We’ll soon see if Shanahan’s opinion influences the NFL’s proposed discipline for DiSandro.
As for Greenlaw, he may face a fine for his actions on Sunday.