The San Francisco 49ers are living on the proverbial high horse. They improved to 5-0 on the season with a 32-29 victory over the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks.
But it’s not all peaches and cream by the bay.
On Monday, it was revealed that 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw has been suspended by the NFL for one game following an on-field incident during the Seahawks game.
After being flagged for a late hit on Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold, Greenlaw was confronted by a helmetless Ernest Jones IV.
The linebacker then heat-butted Jones in a wild scene.
Greenlaw “used his helmet to headbutt Seattle linebacker Ernest Jones IV, who was not wearing a helmet, violating Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1, which applies to “any act which is contrary to the generally understood principles of sportsmanship,” according to the league’s press release.
He was ejected from the game after the stunning incident.
“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,” head coach Kyle Shanahan said. “I was told there’s an appeal process tomorrow. I was also told a couple hours ago that he was suspended. 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 Hopefully the appeal process can go better tomorrow and we can get that rescinded, but we’ll see how that goes.”
The play that prompted the occasion came during the second quarter of the NFC West clash. With the 49ers leading 14-10, Sam Darnold broke outside the pocket on a 2nd-and-6, attempting to pick up the first down with his legs.
As he approached the sideline, Greenlaw shoved him out of bounds.
Seahawks players all gathered around the 49ers linebacker, attempting to protect their quarterback. With the play happening on Seattle’s sideline, Greenlaw was immediately encircled by opposing players.
Jones walked up to Greenlaw, likely talking some trash to the veteran. Greenlaw took exception and was seen head-butting the Seahawk player, prompting the ejection.
It is not yet known whether Greenlaw will appeal the suspension. If not, he will miss San Francisco’s Monday Night Football game against the Washington Commanders.
