USC suspends Desman Stephens for one game after hit on Oregon QB

Southern California suspended linebacker Desman Stephens for one game Sunday after he was ejected for targeting on a late hit that injured Oregon quarterback Dante Moore during the Ducks’ 41-27 win at the Coliseum, ABC7 Los Angeles reported.

The suspension means Stephens will miss No. 18 USC’s next game against Washington after an incident that drew scrutiny because Moore left the field on a stretcher and Stephens celebrated afterward.

Stephens hit Moore as the Oregon quarterback slid to the turf in the red zone during the second quarter of No. 15 Oregon’s win over USC, according to ABC7 Los Angeles. Moore’s head snapped back and hit the turf, and he later left in an ambulance while wearing a neck brace.

Southern California coach Lincoln Riley said the school was suspending Stephens because of the play and what followed. "Desman's actions in last night's game are unacceptable and are not reflective of USC football nor of his personal character," Riley said, according to ABC7 Los Angeles.

"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," Riley said.

Stephens apologized for the hit and his reaction after Moore was hurt. "I want to sincerely apologize for my actions during yesterday's game," Stephens said, according to ABC7 Los Angeles. "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."

ABC7 Los Angeles reported that Moore had feeling in all of his extremities Saturday night. A person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press that Moore was back in Eugene on Sunday after receiving medical treatment in Los Angeles, while CBS Sports reported that Moore had a concussion.

Oregon coach Dan Lanning called the hit "disgusting," according to ABC7 Los Angeles. Riley also defended Stephens’ return to the sideline after the ejection Saturday, saying he was allowed back because "he's on our football team."

USC is 4-1 overall and 1-1 in Big Ten play, while Washington is 3-1 and 0-1 before facing the Trojans.