Southern California suspended linebacker Desman Stephens II for one game, following his actions during Saturday’s game against Oregon in Los Angeles.
Stephens was ejected, following a late hit to the head of Oregon quarterback Dante Moore, who was attempting to slide.
Moore was taken off the field in a stretcher and taken away in an ambulance during the Ducks’ 41-27 victory over the Trojans. Oregon head coach Dan Lanning said Sunday that Moore sustained a concussion.
“Fortunately his MRI and CT scans came back clean and he did not suffer any additional injuries,” Lanning said in a statement.
Stephens also drew criticism for his apparent reaction on the sideline, and his decision to stay on the sideline in sweatpants after being ejected.
“He understands his mistake, accepts the consequences of his actions and will learn from this,” USC head coach Lincoln Riley said. “The entire Trojan Family wishes Dante a full recovery, and we send our best regards to him and his family.”
Stephens issued an apology Sunday, expressing regrets for his actions.
“Seeing a player injured like that is incredibly serious, and my reaction in the moments afterward was completely inappropriate and inexcusable,” Stephens said in the statement. “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.”
Stephens will miss USC’s home game against Washington on Oct. 3. He has 19 tackles in five games, his third season with the Trojans.
–Field Level Media
