Dom DiSandro has a new title. The new title does not translate into new access to the field or new opportunities to communicate with opponents.
DiSandro has added “gameday coaching operations” to his previous titles: senior advisor to the General Manager and Chief Security Officer. Some have interpreted this improvement as an attempt by the Eagles to insulate DiSandro from the discipline he received as a result of his actions during the Week 13 loss to the 49ers.
In that situation, DiSandro (who was banned from the sidelines for the remainder of the regular season) became involved in an altercation and made contact with a 49ers player. His new title doesn’t give him license to do that.
The Eagles characterized the interpretation as speculation, and they have explained that they have not told any media members that DiSandro’s new title gives him new access or rights.
The memo sent to all teams on September 13, 2023 stated: “Non-player personnel of a club (e.g., management personnel, coaches, trainers, equipment personnel) are prohibited from making unnecessary physical contact with or directing abusive , threatening or insulting language or gestures towards opponents, match officials or League representatives. Violations before or during the match may also result in Commissioner disqualification. Penalty: loss of 15 meters.”
On December 6, 2023 (after the DiSandro incident), the league said this in another memo: The National Football League Rules of Play and our gaming policies clearly prohibit non-player personnel – coaches, trainers, equipment staff, security officials or others – from engaging in physical contact Engage, harass or use abusive or insulting language towards opponents, game officials or others involved in a game. If an altercation occurs, club personnel must allow coaches and match officials to control the situation, with officials administering appropriate penalties, with assistance from the League Office if necessary. Under no circumstances should club personnel touch or make physical contact with the player(s) or other personnel of another club.”
So no, the new title changes nothing. If DiSandro ‘makes unnecessary physical contact with or [directs] insulting, threatening or insulting language or gestures towards opponents, match officials or representatives of the League”, he will be banned from the sidelines again. In any case, his history and the higher position of trust and responsibility that his new title reflects. could be the next can make punishment even worse.
