USC suspended linebacker Desman Stephens II for one game following his conduct during Saturday’s matchup against Oregon, ruling him out of the October 3 game against Washington.
The university announced the punishment Sunday, a day after Stephens made contact with Oregon quarterback Dante Moore during the second half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Moore was receiving medical attention when Stephens’ reaction drew criticism.
Stephens apologized in a statement released by USC. He said his reaction after the play was inappropriate and took responsibility for smiling and celebrating while another player was being treated.
“I take full responsibility for my actions,” Stephens said.
Coach Lincoln Riley said the conduct was unacceptable and did not reflect the program’s expectations or the person he knew Stephens to be. Riley said the linebacker had accepted the consequences and wished Moore and his family well.
The school’s announcement specified a one-game suspension. It identified Washington as the game Stephens would miss, giving the punishment a defined date rather than leaving his availability open-ended.
USC lost the Oregon game 41–27. The Trojans now return to the Coliseum to host Washington in their next Big Ten matchup, with Stephens unavailable under the school’s disciplinary action.
The Washington game is USC’s Homecoming fixture. The Trojans’ official preview lists them at No. 18 in the Associated Press poll after the defeat against Oregon.
The game will be televised by NBC, according to USC’s weekly notes. It is the Trojans’ next opportunity to return to conference play after the Oregon loss, before a trip to Penn State the following week.
USC quarterback Jayden Maiava threw for 326 yards and two touchdowns against Oregon and added a rushing score. The Trojans drew level at 27–27 early in the fourth quarter before Oregon scored the final 14 points.
Washington enters at 3–1 and USC at 4–1. Their game is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Pacific on Saturday. Stephens will miss that home fixture under the one-game suspension announced by the school.
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This page is an original Sporting Page summary. The reporting remains with USC official statement.
Read at USC official statement
