As Dante Moore lay motionless on the ground inside the LA Memorial Coliseum, the crowd fell silent. For as high as the emotions are in the rivalry between the Oregon Ducks and USC Trojans, the devastating injury was no moment for laughter or celebration.
However, USC linebacker Desman Stephens II did just that. After lowering his shoulder into Moore's helmet, who was already down after sliding, Stephens taunted the Oregon sideline before being caught smiling and high-fiving teammates on the USC sideline.
Stephens was ejected from the game after the hit in the second quarter, although he did remain on the sideline for the rest of the game. On Sunday, USC announced in a press release that Stephens will be suspended for the Trojans' game next week
against the Washington Huskies.
USC head coach Lincoln Riley expressed his remorse for Moore, who was taken to a nearby hospital and was diagnosed with a concussion, while condemning Stephens' actions.
“Desman’s actions in last night’s game are unacceptable and are not reflective of USC Football, nor of his personal character," Riley said in a press release. "He understands his mistake, accepts the consequences of his actions and will learn from this. The entire Trojan Family wishes Dante a full recovery, we send our best regards to him and his family."
I would be shocked if USC LB Desman Stephens isn't suspended by the Big Ten for this hit on Oregon's Dante Moore under the league's sportsmanship policy. pic.twitter.com/oFtXPmbW4m
— Brad Crawford (@BCrawford247) September 27, 2026
Stephens also took accountability for his actions in the press release, while issuing an apology to the injured Oregon quarterback.
"I want to sincerely apologize for my actions during yesterday's game," 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 full and speedy recovery."
Moore did return to Eugene after the game and will go through concussion protocol. He is expected to return at some point this season. Oregon is heading into a bye week, but if Moore can't return the following week against UCLA, it will be Dylan Raiola under center for the Ducks.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: USC's Desman Stephens II suspended, apologizes to Oregon QB Dante Moore
