Desman Stephens II returned to sideline after hit that sent Dante Moore to the hospital
NBC Sports • • sports
Key Points:
- During the Oregon vs. USC game, Trojans linebacker Desman Stephens II delivered a hit that injured Ducks quarterback Dante Moore, sending him to the hospital.
- Stephens celebrated the play and was seen smiling before being disqualified, yet he was allowed to return to the USC sideline during the second half.
- NCAA rules permit disqualified players to remain on the sidelines, though this was widely viewed as tone deaf by USC and the broader sports community.
- There are calls for a stiff suspension for Stephens and for the NCAA to intervene to reinforce its commitment to player health and safety.
- Critics suggest amending the “Protect College Sports Act” to require the NCAA to take stronger action in such incidents, emphasizing the need to truly protect college athletes, not just college sports.
