“Soft league” “what have you done to this beautiful game Roger Goodell”: NFL followers outraged as Dre Greenlaw will get suspended regardless of ejection in Week 5

Dre Greenlaw will miss the San Francisco 49ers’ next game. According to Adam Schefter, Greenlaw has been suspended without pay for one game for unsportsmanlike conduct during Sunday’s win against the Seattle Seahawks.

In the second quarter of the game, Greenlaw used his helmet to headbutt Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV, who wasn’t wearing a helmet. He was ejected for the act.

NFL fans reacted on X

A fan said, “10 toes down. Soft league.”

Another added, “Why does he have to miss ANOTHER game? It was barely a tap. Make him pay, sure, a suspension?”

One wrote, “lol Seahawks crying to league to suspend him how sad.”

Another said, “This is the softest s*** I’ve ever seen what have you done to this beautiful game Roger Goodell,”

One chipped in, writing, “BOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!! BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!! Roger Goodell, take these tomatoes to your face 🍅🍅🍅.”

Another wrote, “I’m ok the Dre getting suspended, but Jones started it. If Jones is innocent, then what’s a taunting penalty for? Bench guys can just surround a player and provoke him without consequence?”

The report explains that Greenlaw’s headbutt violated Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1, which applies to:

“Any act which is contrary to the generally understood principles of sportsmanship.”

His earliest return game will be against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 7.

Dre Greenlaw maintains the right to appeal the suspension under the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

What’s next for Dre Greenlaw and the San Francisco 49ers?

Dre Greenlaw can either accept the suspension and sit out his team’s upcoming game against the Washington Commanders or appeal it. If he does, one of Jordy Nelson, Ron Rivera, Derrick Brooks or James Thrash will hear the appeal and decide it. The league and NFLPA jointly appoint and compensate the hearing officers.

Meanwhile, Garret Wallow is listed next on the San Francisco 49ers‘ depth chart. The 2021 fifth-round draft pick joined the 49ers after being waived by the Denver Broncos in the 2025 season.

The 49ers are one of just three unbeaten teams in the ongoing regular season. They’ll fancy their chances against an out-of-form Washington Commanders in Week 6.

Edited by Nick Igbokwe