NBC football analyst made all the wrong kinds of waves last night when he seemed to downplay both the severity of the injury Oregon QB Dante Moore suffered at the hands of USC LB Desman Stephens II. In response to the backlash or maybe just after reconsidering his position, he’s offering an apology.
Taking to X on Sunday, Simms apologized for not showing enough sympathy to fans and especially to Dante Moore. He said that he understands the life-threatening dangers that football includes and mishandled the way he spoke about it.
“I clearly did not show enough sympathy for the situation – just diving right into football stuff – and I am sorry for that. I love college football. I want to apologize to all college football fans out there, especially the Oregon Ducks fans. I got great respect for the Oregon Ducks, and Dante Moore… I mishandled it and I was wrong and I’m sorry for that. I do have tremendous sympathy for the situation. As a guy who almost died on the field from a hard hit 20 years ago, I understand the game, how brutal it can be, and how we have to protect each other on the football field…” Simms said.
“Quick recovery (hope) to Dante Moore, all the respect to the Oregon Ducks, very great win for you guys last night on the road, and again I’m sorry for the way I handled the halftime situation.”
Apology Accepted?
Fans appeared willing to accept Simms apology, though some felt that he could have either not made the mistake to begin with or go a little further with his criticism of Stephens.
“Thank you. 🙏 Would be nice to see you condemn the despicable behavior by Stephens and his coaches/leaders. Not what CFB should be about,” one user wrote on X.
“Very well said. Even if you said something that wasn’t buttoned up, anybody that follows you knows that you didn’t mean anything negative,” wrote another.
“As a Ducks fan, thank you!!” a third wrote.
Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
“Appreciate the apology, Chris.”
“Glad you at least took accountability thank you sir …”
Moore was ultimately diagnosed with a concussion and will hopefully return later this season.
As for Stephens, he was suspended one game by the USC Trojans.
