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USC suspends Desman Stephens II, apologizes after late hit on Oregon’s Dante Moore
USC also said Stephens apologized after the play, which left Moore hospitalized and under evaluation after a one-game suspension was announced.
- On Sunday, September 27, 2026, the University of Southern California suspended linebacker Desman Stephens II for one game following his dangerous late hit on Oregon quarterback Dante Moore during Saturday's contest.
- During Saturday's second quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Stephens delivered a late hit to the sliding Moore, resulting in a targeting penalty and the quarterback's subsequent hospitalization.
- Following the hit, Moore was taken to Los Angeles General Medical Center, where he reportedly maintained movement in his extremities, while Stephens' subsequent on-field celebration sparked widespread criticism across social media.
- Stephens issued an apology taking "full responsibility" for his behavior as USC coach Lincoln Riley announced the suspension Sunday, labeling the linebacker's actions "unacceptable."
- While Stephens will miss USC's game against Washington on October 3, CBS Sports reported Sunday that Moore sustained a concussion and is not believed to have suffered additional injuries.
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USC Player Suspended For Celebrating After Knocking Out Oregon's Dante Moore Out Cold With Vicious Hit
USC’s Desman Stephens will miss his team’s next game. On Saturday, Stephens delivered a brutal hit on Oregon QB Dante Moore that knocked Moore out of the game on a stretcher. After the hit, Stephens celebrated and taunted the Oregon sideline, which nearly led to a brawl between the two teams. On Sunday, USC head […]
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.
·San Francisco, United States
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Desman Stephens II suspension: USC LB breaks silence as team announces punishment, calls reaction 'inexcusable'
The controversial play unfolded during the Big Ten matchup as Desman Stephens II made contact with Dante Moore while the Oregon quarterback was going down.
·New Delhi, India
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Total News Sources34
Leaning Left12Leaning Right3Center14Last UpdatedBias Distribution48% Center
Bias Distribution
- 48% of the sources are Center
48% Center
L 42%
C 48%
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