Desman Stephens II Suspended, Apologizes for Illegal Hit on Dante Moore from USC's Loss to Oregon

USC announced Sunday it suspended linebacker Desman Stephens II for the upcoming game against Washington because of his hit of Oregon quarterback Dante Moore and ensuing actions during the Ducks' 41-27 victory on Saturday.

"Desman's actions in last night's game are unacceptable and are not reflective of USC Football nor of his personal character," head coach Lincoln Riley 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 released an apology as part of the announcement:

"I want to sincerely apologize for my actions during yesterday's game.

"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."

The hit happened on a Moore scramble attempt in the second quarter.

Stephens launched himself as the quarterback started to slide and hit Moore so hard it slammed the ball-carrier's head into the ground. The Oregon signal-caller remained down on the ground for some time before he was stretchered off and taken to a hospital in an ambulance.

While the hit itself stood out, so did Stephens' actions in the aftermath:

Matt Zenitz and Chris Hummer of CBS Sports reported Moore suffered a concussion and will go through concussion protocol. He is expected to return this season and "isn't believed to have sustained any additional injuries."

Oregon head coach Dan Lanning told reporters , "It was a disgusting play. The energy changed. A lot of guys on the sideline, they were emotional in that moment, including myself."

He also said Moore was "in recovery, so I'm not going to speak too soon, but he is moving. He has the ability to move. So we continue to assess him."

USC led the game 7-3 when the hit, which caused a scuffle, happened. Dylan Raiola entered for Moore and threw a touchdown pass to finish that drive, which was a sign of things to come for the Ducks.

The Nebraska transfer went 19-of-25 for 289 yards, two touchdowns and zero interceptions while showing particular chemistry with tight end Jamari Johnson as a weapon in the middle of the field. Johnson finished with seven catches for 119 yards, while running back Dierre Hill Jr. tallied four catches for 105 yards coming out of the backfield.

Evan Stewart and Dakorien Moore caught the touchdown passes from Raiola.

As for USC, it will now attempt to bounce back from its first loss of the season while playing without one of its top defensive playmakers for the next game.