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Stephens will be suspended for the Trojans' game against Washington in Week 5.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 26: Quarterback Dante Moore of the Oregon Ducks runs with the football and slides to avoid a tackle from linebacker Desman Stephens II of the USC Trojans in action during a game between the Oregon Ducks and the USC Trojans at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 26, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
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.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.
"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.
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