49ers’ Dre Greenlaw Suspended One Game for Headbutting Seahawks’ Ernest Jones IV

NEW YORK — San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw has been suspended without pay for one game for an act of unsportsmanlike conduct during Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks, the NFL announced Monday.

What Happened

In the second quarter, Greenlaw used his helmet to headbutt Seattle linebacker Ernest Jones IV, who was not wearing a helmet. The league said the act violated Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1, which covers “any act which is contrary to the generally understood principles of sportsmanship.”

The incident followed a late hit. Greenlaw was called for a personal foul after he hit Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold after Darnold went out of bounds on a scramble. Several Seahawks defenders confronted Greenlaw, and the headbutt came next. Jones was bleeding afterward, and Greenlaw was ejected. The 49ers went on to win 32-29.

When He Can Return

Greenlaw will miss San Francisco’s Oct. 19 game against the Washington Commanders. He’s eligible to return to the active roster Tuesday, Oct. 20.

Appeal Process

Under the collective bargaining agreement, Greenlaw may appeal. Any appeal will be heard and decided by one of four hearing officers: Derrick Brooks, Jordy Nelson, Ron Rivera or James Thrash. The NFL and the NFL Players Association jointly appoint and pay them to decide appeals of on-field discipline.

A Familiar Spot for Greenlaw

This isn’t his first discipline problem. Greenlaw was suspended for one game last season, when he played for Denver, for threatening an official after a win over the New York Giants. The week before the Seattle game, he was fined $11,941 for taunting the Broncos’ sideline.

Greenlaw, who returned to San Francisco this season after one year in Denver, is second on the team with 37 tackles. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said Monday he was disappointed by the decision.

Source: NFL Communications