San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw was suspended for one game by the NFL on Monday after headbutting Seattle Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV during Sunday's game in Seattle.
The incident occurred on the Seahawks sideline during the second quarter. Greenlaw bumped Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold as Darnold reached the sideline on a scramble. Jones was among Seattle players who confronted Greenlaw following the contact. Greenlaw lowered his helmet and headbutted Jones in the forehead. Jones was not wearing a helmet at the time of the incident.
Greenlaw was ejected from the game. The 49ers won 32-29.
The NFL said in its suspension announcement that the headbutt of a player without a helmet was "contrary to the generally understood principles of sportsmanship." Greenlaw will miss San Francisco's game next Monday night against the Washington Commanders. He may appeal the suspension.
Greenlaw has a history of disciplinary infractions. He was ejected twice previously in his NFL career. In 2023, he had a sideline altercation with Philadelphia's head of security Dom DiSandro. In 2022, he was disqualified for a helmet-to-helmet hit on Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert. Last season while playing for Denver, he was suspended for one game for berating an official after a win over the New York Giants. He was also fined $11,941 for taunting the Broncos' sideline in a win last week.