USC Suspends Stephens for Celebrating Hit on Oregon's Moore — SkimNews
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- USC suspended linebacker Desman Stephens II one game for his conduct in Saturday night's 41-27 loss to Oregon following a late hit on quarterback Dante Moore
- The second-quarter hit sent QB Dante Moore to Los Angeles General County Hospital via ambulance; a team spokesperson said he had movement in all extremities and was being thoroughly evaluated
- After being ejected for targeting, Stephens ran around the field celebrating the hit and continued celebrating with teammates while Moore was still down receiving medical attention
- Dan Lanning called the play "disgusting" and said "the energy changed" on Oregon's sideline afterward; Lincoln Riley said Stephens' actions were "unacceptable" and "not reflective of USC Football"
- Stephens issued an apology stating there is "no justification for smiling or celebrating while another player receives medical attention" and will miss USC's Oct. 3 home game against Washington
- Riley initially allowed Stephens back on the USC sideline after his ejection, explaining "he's on our football team"
Why it matters: USC coach Lincoln Riley initially defended letting Stephens back on the sideline after his ejection — 'he's on our football team' — yet reversed within 24 hours and issued a one-game suspension after Oregon's Dan Lanning publicly labeled the hit 'disgusting' and Moore was stretchered off the field. The week-long gap before Stephens' missed game against Washington gives the headline the room to outlast the original gameday noise.
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