USC football star Desman Stephens did not exactly show remorse following his controversial hit on Oregon quarterback Dante Moore, especially after he was seen celebrating while Moore remained down on the field. Stephens’ reaction has now drawn a strong response from USC head coach Lincoln Riley.
Stephens has already been handed a one-game suspension for the incident. While speaking about the suspension on Tuesday, Riley revealed that he was particularly disappointed by Stephens’ decision to celebrate following the hit.
“[USC athletic director] Jen [Cohen] and I had some discussion on Sunday morning. Talked about some different scenarios. Ultimately, we agreed upon this. I was disappointed when I saw [Stephens’ behavior]. I was. There’s no question about it. I didn’t see it during the game, obviously. I was disappointed how he handled it,” Riley said via On3’s ScoopDuck.
“Knowing him like I do, do I believe deep down in my heart he was celebrating over an injured player? No. I’m disappointed with what he did and he needs to have more awareness.”
Article Continues BelowThe controversial incident occurred during the second quarter when Oregon quarterback scrambled before beginning a feet-first slide. As Moore went down, Stephens lowered his shoulder and delivered forceful contact to the quarterback’s head and neck area.
The collision left Moore injured on the field, eventually forcing him to be taken away on a stretcher and transported to a hospital for further evaluation, where he was diagnosed with a concussion.
Stephens was immediately ejected from the game after officials determined that the play constituted targeting. As a result of his subsequent one-game suspension, Stephens II will now be unavailable when USC takes on Washington on Saturday.
Stephens appeared in 26 games during his freshman and sophomore seasons before playing in all five of USC’s games this year. Through the first five games of the season, he has recorded 19 tackles, 0.5 sack, while also breaking up one pass.