Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni defended “Big Dom” DiSandro on Monday amid reports that the NFL was launching an investigation into the security staffer’s confrontation with 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw.
Sirianni claimed in his Monday news conference that DiSandro was attempting to “defuse” the situation with Greenlaw during a third-quarter scuffle that got both ejected from San Francisco’s 42-19 win on Sunday.
Sirianni stood up for his guy, which is exactly what he should be expected to do. But in no reasonable reading of the confrontation was DiSandro attempting to “defuse” the situation.
Tensions escalated when Greenlaw tackled Eagles receiver DeVonta Smith after the whistle near the Philadelphia sideline. The late hit drew a 15-yard penalty and the ire of every Eagle in the vicinity, DiSandro included. As Greenlaw and Smith jawed at each other, DiSandro stepped in between the two. He did not turn back and pull Smith away from the situation. He instead put his hands on Greenlaw while looking directly at him. Then he gave him a shove.
This is not what defusing a situation looks like. Greenlaw responded with a swipe that grazed DiSandro’s face, and his day was over. His reaction to a non-player’s aggression got him ejected from the game.
