USC linebacker Desman Stephens II has found himself at the center of significant media attention over the past weekend, but not for the reasons he would have wanted.
The Trojans suspended Stephens for one game following his actions after a collision with Oregon quarterback Dante Moore, which resulted in a serious-looking situation as Moore was taken off the field on a cart and later loaded into an ambulance. The controversial incident occurred during the Big Ten matchup between USC and Oregon. Stephens made contact with Moore as the Ducks quarterback was going to the ground, leading to Moore being removed from the game and taken away on a cart before being transported to an ambulance for further evaluation.
USC subsequently announced the one-game suspension and released a statement from Stephens in which the linebacker accepted responsibility for his actions.
Moore was able to travel back to Eugene with the Oregon team and is expected to go through the required concussion protocol, according to On3’s Pete Nakos. “I want to sincerely apologize for my actions during yesterday’s game,” the statement started. “It is not representative of USC or our program. I hope he makes a full and speedy recovery,” his statement concluded.
