USC suspends LB Desman Stephens II after hit that injured Oregon QB Dante Moore and his subsequent celebrations

USC linebacker Desman Stephens II has been suspended for a game by the school following his hit on Oregon QB Dante Moore and his subsequent actions.

Moore suffered a concussion when Stephens hit him as he slid to the ground in the second quarter. After Stephens' hit, the back of Moore's head violently hit the turf. Stephens then celebrated the hit as Moore laid on the field.

Stephens was ejected from the game for targeting. After the game, Oregon coach Dan Lanning said that Moore "had the ability to move."

"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."

Moore was taken off the field on a backboard and into a waiting ambulance just outside the end zone. Lanning called the hit "disgusting" in his postgame news conference.

"I want to sincerely apologize for my actions during yesterday's game," a statement from Stephens said. "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 fully and speedy recovery."

"I want to sincerely apologize for my actions during yesterday's game," a statement from Stephens said.

"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 fully and speedy recovery."

Stephens was on the USC sideline in the second half of the 41-27 loss and Riley said after the game that he was allowed to be on the sideline because he was part of the team. Riley also added that he did not see Stephens' actions after the hit.

Stephens will serve his suspension in Week 5 against Washington and be eligible to return against Penn State on Oct. 10.