USC suspends Desman Stephens one game for Dante Moore hit, 'unacceptable' actions - USA Today
Southern California has suspended linebacker Desman Stephens II for one game for his conduct during the Trojans' loss to Oregon on Saturday.
The suspension comes after Stephens laid a hit with his forearm on Oregon quarterback Dante Moore as the latter was coming down for a slide at the end of a quarterback keeper in the second quarter. Moore was stretchered off the field and taken to the hospital for further evaluation.
Stephens will be suspended for USC's Week 5 game against Washington on Saturday, Oct. 3.
"Desman's actions in last night's game are unacceptable and are not reflective of USC Football nor of his personal character," USC coach Lincoln Riley said in a statement. "He understands his mistake, accepts the consequences of his actions and will learn from this. The entire Trojan Family wishes Dante a full recovery, and we send our best regards to him and his family."
As noted by USA TODAY's Jordan Mendoza, Stephens was seen seemingly celebrating the late hit as he made his way back to the sideline. NBC's broadcast caught Stephens smiling and high-fiving teammates as Moore was being tended to by members of Oregon's staff.
Speaking after the game, Riley dismissed a question from a reporter asking why Stephens was allowed to stay on the sidelines instead of in the locker room. Responded Riley: "Because he's on our football team."
In a statement provided by USC, Stephens apologized for his actions and took full responsibility for them.
"I want to sincerely apologize for my actions during yesterday's game," Stephens said in the statement. "Seeing a player injured like that is incredibly serious, and my reaction in the moments afterward was completely inappropriate and inexcusable. Regardless of what was going through my mind at the time, there is no justification for smiling or celebrating while another player receives medical attention.
"I take full responsibility for my actions. That is not the person or teammate I want to be, and I will learn from this. I am deeply sorry to Dante, his family and everyone who saw my reaction. It is not representative of USC or our program. I hope he makes a full and speedy recovery."
CBS Sports' Matt Zeintz reported on Sunday that Moore sustained a concussion from the hit and isn’t believed to have sustained any additional injuries. He was replaced by Oregon backup quarterback Dylan Raiola, who threw for 289 yards and two touchdowns in the Ducks' 41-27 win.
Asked after the game whether he thought a possible suspension was warranted for Stephens, Oregon coach Dan Lanning deflected that question to the Big Ten and Riley.
"I’ll let our conference handle what that looks like. I'll let Coach Riley handle what that looks like for their team. There's rules in place to handle that," Lanning said.
That said, Lanning did call Stephens' hit on Moore a "disgusting play."
"There's a reason targeting exists in football, and that's as clear as day targeting. It's a shame that happened to a good player when, in my mind, that certainly could have been avoided, so it's disappointing," Lanning said. "It's a disgusting play. You don't want to see it happen. It's disappointing that it happened."
This story was updated with new information.
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