A vicious hit on quarterback Dante Moore got linebacker Desman Stephens II disqualified from Saturday night’s game between USC and Oregon. It has also gotten Stephens suspended for a game.
USC announced on Sunday that Stephens will not play in the next game, against Washington.
“Desman’s actions in last night’s game are unacceptable and are not reflective of USC Football nor of his personal character,” the school said. “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.”
Stephens also issued a statement apologizing to Moore, both for the hit and for his celebration of it.
“My reaction in the moments afterward was completely inappropriate and inexcusable,” Stephens said. “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.”
The bad optics were complicated by USC allowing Stephens to return to the sideline for the second half of the game, and by coach Lincoln Riley seeming to be surprised when questioned by reporters about it. “Because he’s on our football team,” Riley said.
For the next game, he’s not. Some will say he should have gotten more than one game.
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