NFL suspends 49ers linebacker one game for sideline scuffle

The National Football League suspended San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw for one game without pay following a sideline altercation during Sunday's matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. The league announced the decision on Monday, less than 24 hours after Greenlaw headbutted Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones during the contest. The incident began when Greenlaw was penalized for unsportmanlike conduct after hitting Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold as he went out of bounds along the sideline. After being surrounded by Seahawks players, Jones stepped up to Greenlaw without wearing a helmet, prompting Greenlaw to lower his head and strike Jones, causing him to seek a towel to wipe away blood.

Greenlaw is eligible to return to the 49ers active roster on October 20, following the team's game against the Washington Commanders on October 19. The player retains the right to appeal the suspension under the collective bargaining agreement, though no indication exists yet whether he will pursue that route. If an appeal is filed, it would be heard by a hearing officer selected from Derrick Brooks, Jordy Nelson, Ron Rivera, or James Thrash, all of whom are former NFL players. OutKick reported on Sunday that a fine or suspension, or both, was expected for Greenlaw.

This suspension adds to a pattern of disciplinary actions involving Greenlaw, who has a history of emotional outbursts and previous fines and suspensions. In 2023, he was ejected after a sideline altercation with Philadelphia Eagles head of security Dom DiSandro. The 49ers organization is also currently navigating its own disciplinary issues, with owner Jed York serving a league suspension for violating the personal conduct policy after his arrest in a prostitution sting in Ohio.