USC suspends Desman Stephens II for ugly celebration after sending Dante Moore to hospital

Acting quickly and decisively, USC announced Sunday morning that it had suspended linebacker Desman Stephens II for one game in the wake of his vicious hit and post-hit celebration involving Oregon quarterback Dante Moore.

Stephens will miss the Trojans’ game against Washington next weekend at the LA Memorial Coliseum after he leveled Moore with a forearm while the quarterback was sliding in the second quarter Saturday at the same venue, leaving Moore motionless on the field for a lengthy stretch.

Afterward, Stephens could be seen celebrating with teammates and smiling on the sideline while accepting their congratulations. He was called for targeting and ejected from the game.

“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.

“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.”

In a separate statement, Stephens apologized for his actions during the Trojans’ 41–27 loss to the Ducks.

“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.” 

Oregon coach Dan Lanning said after the game that Moore, who was taken to a hospital, had regained some movement in his body.

USC fell six spots to No. 18 in the Associated Press poll released Sunday.

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