USC suspend Stephens for ‘disgusting’ late hit that sent Oregon QB Dante Moore to hospital

Senior diagnosed with concussion after incident

USC describe linebacker’s play as ‘unacceptable’

The USC Trojans have suspended their linebacker ⁠Desman Stephens II after what was described as a “disgusting play” that left Oregon quarterback Dante Moore in hospital.

Moore was carted off the field after a late hit by Stephens in the first half of Oregon’s 41-27 win over USC on Saturday. During the play, Moore took off on a scramble. As he attempted to slide, he was hit in the head by Stephens, who was called for targeting and disqualified ‌from the game. Moore was taken to hospital, and was later diagnosed with a concussion.

“Fortunately, his MRI and CT scans came back clean and he did not suffer any additional injuries,” Oregon head coach Dan Lanning said on Sunday.