San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan criticized the NFL’s decision to suspend linebacker Dre Greenlaw for at least one game after Greenlaw headbutted Seattle Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV during Sunday’s game, which the 49ers won 32-29 to improve to 5-0.
“I was disappointed they decided to do that. But it is what it is. I just found out a little bit ago. Just disappointed, but you’ve got to deal with it,” Shanahan told Evan Webeck of The Post.
The incident occurred in the second quarter after Greenlaw chased Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold out of bounds toward the Seattle sideline and delivered a late hit on him. Greenlaw was ejected immediately and confronted by the Seahawks bench.
Jones IV then approached Greenlaw, and the two exchanged words before Greenlaw leaned in and struck Jones with his helmet, while Jones was not wearing his. Jones responded verbally and shoved Greenlaw.
Despite losing their starting linebacker, the 49ers held on for the win over Seattle.
Timing Could Not Be Worse
The suspension comes just before San Francisco hosts the Washington Commanders on Monday Night Football. Greenlaw is eligible to appeal the suspension on Tuesday, and Shanahan said he backs that effort.
“I was told there’s an appeal process tomorrow. I was also told a couple hours ago that he was suspended,” Shanahan said. “I’m assuming he is. Hopefully the appeal process can go better tomorrow and we can get that rescinded, but we’ll see how that goes.”
This is not the first time this season Greenlaw has clashed with an opposing sideline. During the 49ers’ Week 4 win over the Denver Broncos, Greenlaw got into a verbal exchange with his former head coach Sean Payton, resulting in an $11,941 fine. Greenlaw spent one season in Denver before returning to San Francisco, the team with which he spent his first six years.
So far this season, Greenlaw has recorded 37 tackles and one forced fumble for the 49ers defense.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login