Punishment has been announced for USC linebacker Desman Stephens II following the “dirty” hit on Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore on Saturday.
Oregon topped USC on Saturday, but lost star quarterback Dante Moore to an upper-body injury, following an extreme hit during a slide attempt.
“It was a disgusting play,” Oregon coach Dan Lanning said after the Ducks’ 41-27 win. “The energy changed. A lot of guys on the sideline, they were emotional in that moment, including myself.”
Moore, one of the country’s top quarterbacks, was taken to nearby Los Angeles General County Hospital. An Oregon spokesperson said that he had movement in all of his extremities and was being evaluated thoroughly.
“He’s in recovery, so I’m not going to speak too soon, but he is moving,” Lanning said. “He has the ability to move. So we continue to assess him.”
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USC announces suspension for the ‘dirty’ hit
USC announced on Sunday that the linebacker was being suspended for one game for the dirty play.
Stephens will sit out next week’s game against Washington, per a USC press release.
“Desman’s actions in last night’s game are unacceptable and are not reflective of USC Football nor of his personal character. 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,” head coach Lincoln Riley said.
Stephens issued an apology.
“I want to sincerely apologize for my actions during yesterday’s game.
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.”
