49ers' Greenlaw suspended for head-butting helmetless Jones - ESPN

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw has been suspended for one game without pay as discipline for unsportsmanlike conduct in Sunday's win against the Seattle Seahawks.

With 6:30 left in the first half of that game, Greenlaw hit Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold late and out of bounds, then was involved in a skirmish with Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV in which he head-butted Jones, who was not wearing a helmet.

According to a statement from the league, Greenlaw violated Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1 of the league's rules which applies to «any act which is contrary to the generally understood principles of sportsmanship.»

Barring a successful appeal, Greenlaw will have to miss the Oct. 19 game against the Washington Commanders and would be eligible to return to the active roster on Tuesday, Oct. 20.

Greenlaw is appealing the suspension, sources told ESPN.

Under the guidelines of the collective bargaining agreement, Greenlaw is able to submit an appeal. According to the NFL, Derrick Brooks, Jordy Nelson, Ron Rivera or James Thrash would be the hearings officer for any appeal Greenlaw may file.

Niners coach Kyle Shanahan said after Sunday's 32-29 win in Seattle that he hadn't yet spoken to Greenlaw about the incident but indicated that conversation would happen Monday.

«We just celebrated there,» Shanahan said. «We'll clean that stuff up. He knows he's got to be smarter.»

On the play that led to the suspension, Greenlaw chased Darnold as he scrambled toward Seattle's sideline. After picking up 5 yards, Darnold stepped on to the white paint and then took a hit from Greenlaw as they headed toward Seattle's bench.

A number of Seahawks immediately surrounded Greenlaw as he and Jones exchanged