Rematching the NFC championship game from the previous season, the Philadelphia Eagles were thrashed 42–19 by the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field.
Beyond that, though, the Eagles and their head of security, Dom DiSandro, gained media attention during the game when he was ejected following a confrontation with 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw on the sidelines.
Who is DiSandro, also known as “Big Dom”? Here’s all the information you require.
Dom DiSandro: who is he?
With 25 years of experience, DiSandro is the general manager/chief security officer’s senior advisor. Having joined the team in 1999, he is in charge of all player, coach, and executive safety and security protocols.
In addition, DiSandro oversees security at the team’s training facility, manages security protocols for team travel and operations, and conducts training sessions on the NFL’s personal conduct policy.
According to CBS Sports, DiSandro is also in charge of managing team dysfunction, player concerns that arise off the field, morale, and, in certain cases, player psychology.
Since the Andy Reid era, DiSandro has been a pillar of the Birds organization. He is well-liked in Philadelphia and is frequently seen with coaches or players entering and exiting the arena. Even a “highlight reel” created by X user Jeff McDevitt is attached to him.
DiSandro appeared to be a Secret Service agent when he was spotted behind Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts during last week’s Philadelphia 76ers game against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Even better, 100% of the proceeds from the sale of a “Big Dom” hoodie will benefit the Eagles Autism Foundation.
What sparked the altercation on the sidelines?
After Greenlaw threw wideout DeVonta Smith to the ground, the Eagles sideline was not amused.
Following Smith’s chirping at Greenlaw, DiSandro could be seen attempting to break the two apart on the broadcast. However, Greenlaw then strikes the Eagles head of security in the face, causing DiSandro and the Niners linebacker to be ejected.
How did the altercation affect the players and coaches?
After the altercation on the sideline, Greenlaw was ejected, and Niners head coach Kyle Shanahan wasn’t happy about it.
“I tried my hardest not to lose my mind,” Shanahan said. “I just can’t believe someone not involved in the football game can taunt our players like that and put their hands in our guys’ face. From what I was told, Dre did it back to him. He kind of mashed him in the face a little bit, so he got ejected.”
After the game, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni expressed regret to Shanahan and added his respect for the Niners.
What takes place after that?
The NFL’s league office is investigating the incident involving Greenlaw and DiSandro, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. He stated that this week is anticipated to see a follow-up with the Eagles.
It’s unclear if DiSandro or Greenlaw will face consequences.
On Monday, Sirianni informed reporters that he has not received a response from the league and stated that DiSandro was attempting to defuse the situation.
Sirianni responded, “No, I haven’t heard anything from the league.” “In this industry, Dom is the best there is. I’m very appreciative of him. He will always attempt to defuse tensions, isn’t that right? He acts in that manner. That is his responsibility.”
“And so obviously unfortunate yesterday, but I know in Dom’s heart, he truly was trying to diffuse the situation right there. I’m sad that it came to what it came to, that anybody got thrown out of the game. The play was what it was. There was a lot of emotion in that game. I’ve seen Dom have to do that before where he’s trying to diffuse the situation. Again, that’s what he does. Yeah, I know where his heart is and it’s truly to diffuse the situation and to stop what was going on, on the sideline”