NFL's Dre Greenlaw Fined Again for Unnecessary Roughness
The 49ers linebacker faces another penalty for striking an opponent in the helmet, just weeks after a suspension.
San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw has been fined $12,537 for unnecessary roughness after punching Atlanta Falcons receiver Drake London in the helmet during their recent game. The incident occurred while London was attempting to break through a tackle, and the punch forced him to undergo a concussion test.
This latest penalty comes shortly after Greenlaw served a one-game suspension for a headbutt on Seattle Seahawks player Ernest Jones IV in Week 5, which drew blood and resulted in Greenlaw's ejection. He appealed that suspension, but it was upheld, causing him to forfeit a $200,000 game check.
Greenlaw's actions against London went unpenalized by officials at the time, but league review led to the fine. He claimed he was attempting to punch the ball out of London's hands and missed his target.
Greenlaw has a history of disciplinary issues. He has been ejected from three games in his eight-year career, with two of those occurring in the last four years. In 2023, he had a sideline altercation with Philadelphia's head of security. In 2022, he was disqualified for a helmet-to-helmet hit on the Chargers' Justin Herbert. Last season, he was also suspended for one game for berating an official after a win over the New York Giants.
Earlier this season, on October 4, Greenlaw was fined $11,941 for taunting the Broncos' sideline. The infraction against the Seahawks on October 11 involved a late hit on Sam Darnold after he went out of bounds, followed by the headbutt on Jones during the ensuing confrontation.