Oregon quarterback Moore suffered concussion following late hit; USC suspends LB Stephens for 1 game for hit

Oregon announced Sunday that quarterback Dante Moore suffered a concussion on a hit by linebacker Desman Stephens during the second quarter of the Ducks’ win over Southern California on Saturday.

Stephens, who was ejected from the game for targeting, was suspended for one game by USC earlier Sunday for the hit and his celebration afterward.

“Dante suffered a concussion in last night’s game, but fortunately his MRI and CT scan came back clean and he suffered no further injuries,” Oregon coach Dan Lanning said in a statement. “Every concussion is different and we will move forward with an abundance of caution to ensure we make the best decisions for Dante and his future.”

Moore was sliding to complete an 11-yard run to the USC 12 in the second quarter when Stephens hit him in the head and chest with his shoulder. Moore’s helmet flipped and hit the turf, and his hands shot up in what appeared to be an involuntary movement. Eventually, he was placed on a stretcher with his neck in a splint and left the game in an ambulance.

Stephens celebrated after the hit and was confronted by Oregon players before leaving the game. His actions were heavily criticized.

Stephens later apologized and expressed empathy for Moore and his family in a statement released by the Trojans.

“I want to sincerely apologize for my actions during yesterday’s game,” Stephens said in a statement released by the university. “Seeing a player injured like that is incredibly serious, and my reaction in the moments that followed was completely inappropriate and inexcusable. No matter what was going through my mind at the time, there is no justification for smiling or celebrating while another player receives medical treatment. I take full responsibility for my actions. That is not the person or teammate I want to be, and I will learn from this.”

USC coach Lincoln Riley condemned Stephens’ actions while announcing the suspension of his starting linebacker, who will not play when No. 18 USC (4-1, 1-1 Big Ten) hosts Washington (3-1, 0-1) next weekend.

“Desman’s actions during last night’s game are unacceptable and do not reflect USC football or his personal character,” Riley said. “He understands his mistake, accepts the consequences of his actions and will learn from them. The entire Trojan family wishes Dante a full recovery and we send our best regards to him and his family.”

Lanning expressed gratitude in his statement Sunday for the medical care Moore received.

“We are extremely grateful to our entire medical staff and the medical staff at USC and LA General County Hospital for their quick and thorough action to ensure Dante received the best possible care,” Lanning said.

The Ducks, although shaken by the loss of their quarterback, went on to win 41-27. Oregon, which moved up five spots to 15th in the AP Top 25 with the win, will be off next weekend before hosting UCLA on Oct. 10.

The Division I Football Bowl Subdivision Oversight Committee in March approved a one-year trial rule for this season that gives a player a break for his first targeting penalty and clears the way for him to play in the next game. Since this was Stephens’ first such penalty, he would have been eligible to play against the Huskies if USC had not suspended him.

After the match, Lanning called the move “disgusting.” Stephens drew even more ire for smiling on the bench and later returning to the Trojans sideline in the second half after being ejected.

Riley defended Stephens’ return to the bench Saturday night, saying he was allowed to return because “he’s part of our football team.”

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