While the NFL may not appreciate the security presence of “Big Dom,” the Philly fans hold great affection for him. In a recent scuffle with him, San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw was kicked out of the game against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 13. It was because he arguably punched Philly’s chief security officer Dom DiSandro, popularly known as Big Dom, in the face.
Initially, the Niners’ Greenlaw was in a scuffle with Eagles player DeVonta Smith. On the sidelines, DiSandro got involved and stepped in to stop the altercation. However, after that Greenlaw reached out to the officials and did something that got him in trouble. He plausibly hit Big Dom, and thereafter was ejected from the game and was fined $10, 927 by the league. Furthermore, DiSandro was also asked to leave the field, but the Eagles’ fans cheered for him as he walked away toward the locker room. Now once again, before the Seattle Seahawks vs Eagles kick off, fans are showing their admiration for the security chief.
The love for Big Dom in Philly couldn’t be stopped, not even by a ban!
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After the incident, Dom DiSandro met with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell last week. He was not allowed to be on the sidelines in the Eagles’ last game with the Cowboys. Therefore, he watched the game from a tunnel in the last clash. However, a couple of days ago, the NFL banned Big Dom from the sidelines for the rest of the regular season of the Eagles as well.
Big Dom signing a ton of autographs pic.twitter.com/LmGEJ3tZoW
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) December 19, 2023
Now as the Eagles were set to kick off the battle against the Seahawks at Lumen Field on Monday, Big Dom was spotted on the sidelines, meeting his fans before the game. Not only this, Big Dom was also seen “signing a ton of autographs” asked for by fans, reflecting the admiration they hold for the security officer after he intervened in the scuffle.
Furthermore, he was spotted accompanying Jalen Hurts while the QB arrived at Seattle ground hours before the game. When the game was about to start, keeping his NFL ban in mind, DiSandro didn’t cross the line to the field when giving security to the team players. Fans of Philly were seen going crazy over the popular star Big Dom, as they were seen chanting “free Big Dom,” requesting the league to uplift the ban from him.
Big Dom was spotted enjoying the matchup eating a packet of Cheetos in the suite during the game. Drawing eyes to who the security person is, Dom DiSandro has been with the Eagles since 1999. He not only works as a senior adviser to the GM Howie Roseman, but also oversees safety and security matters for executives, coaches, and players.
This includes managing security during team travel and training and educating everyone on the NFL’s rules about personal conduct. Hence, the reaction to his intervention from the league came out strong, as the NFL put out some necessary policies after the incident, reiterating set rules of proper procedure.
A memo given to the teams by the NFL
After the incident, The NFL reminded all teams about a specific rule. The rule says that people who are not players, such as staff and advisers, are not allowed to physically touch, tease, or insult players from the opposing team or game officials. The league emphasized that only game officials such as referees or coaches should try to stop fights or arguments. The memo also mentioned that breaking any of these rules could result in fines or suspensions.
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Now, DiSandro seems to be on the receiving end of the same rule, causing trouble for the senior security member. While the fans appreciate Big Dom for his actions, the NFL setting the rule straight will potentially provide the right example for the players and support staff to adhere to.
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What do you think about the incident that took place? Let us know your thoughts below!
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