USC suspends linebacker Desman Stephens II after late hit hospitalizes Oregon QB Dante Moore

The USC Trojans have suspended their linebacker ⁠Desman Stephens II after what was described as a “disgusting play” that left Oregon quarterback Dante Moore in hospital.

Moore was carted off the field after a late hit by Stephens in the first half of Oregon’s 41-27 win over USC on Saturday. During the play, Moore took off on a scramble. As he attempted to slide, he was hit in the head by Stephens, who was called for targeting and disqualified ‌from the game. Moore was taken to hospital, and an Oregon spokesperson later ⁠said the quarterback had movement in all of his extremities and was ​being evaluated.

“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 on Sunday. “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.”

Oregon head coach Dan Lanning was incensed by the hit. “It was a disgusting play,” Lanning said after the game. “The energy changed. A lot of guys on the sideline, they were emotional in ​that moment, including myself.”

Fights broke out between players after the hit as Moore lay on the ground, and both teams were penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct.

“Seeing him like that shook the whole team,” said Oregon backup quarterback Dylan Raiola, who replaced Moore for the rest of the game. “But at the same time, we knew that it was our brother, and we were gonna fight for him.”

Stephens drew the ire of his opponents for appearing to celebrate his hit on Moore. On Sunday, he admitted his actions were unacceptable.

“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,” Stephens said in the statement. “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.”

Moore was an All-Big ​Ten third-team selection last season, throwing for 3,565 yards, 30 ​touchdowns and 10 ‌interceptions as the ​team went ​13-2. This season, he was off to a strong start with 849 passing yards and nine passing touchdowns in three games. He had been predicted to be a top pick in this year’s NFL draft but chose to return to college.