Desman Stephens II faces backlash for celebrating targeting hit on Dante Moore
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 27, 2026, 1:04 AM
Last updated Sep 27, 2026
During Saturday's game between USC and Oregon, USC linebacker Desman Stephens II was ejected for a targeting hit on Oregon quarterback Dante Moore. Following the hit, which forced Moore to leave the game in an ambulance, Stephens was observed celebrating with teammates on the sidelines, prompting widespread outrage from fans and commentators. The situation escalated tensions on the field, resulting in unsportsmanlike conduct penalties for both teams. Many are calling for a suspension for Stephens due to his behavior after the hit, which has been labeled as unprofessional and classless.
- •Desman Stephens II was ejected for targeting during the second quarter.
- •Dante Moore left the game in an ambulance after the hit.
- •Stephens celebrated and smiled on the sidelines as Moore received medical attention.
- •Fans and analysts criticized Stephens for his post-hit behavior.
- •Calls for a suspension have emerged from various commentators and fans.
- 1:04 AMYahoo Sports — Fans blast USC's Desman Stephens II after celebrating illegal Dante Moore hit
- 1:01 AMYahoo Sports — ‘Ejection. Suspension. Horrible’: USC player sparks outrage for ‘disgusting’ celebration after ‘dirty’ hit
"Saturday’s rivalry showdown between the USC Trojans and the Oregon Ducks was overshadowed by a scary and controversial moment midway through the second quarter when Oregon quarterback Dante Moore left the game in an ambulance following a late hit from USC linebacker Desman Stephens. Following the hit, Stephens sparked widespread outrage for the way he…
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 27, 2026, 1:04 AMFans blast USC's Desman Stephens II after celebrating illegal Dante Moore hit
This was awful to see.
- Yahoo SportsSep 27, 2026, 1:01 AM‘Ejection. Suspension. Horrible’: USC player sparks outrage for ‘disgusting’ celebration after ‘dirty’ hit
Saturday’s rivalry showdown between the USC Trojans and the Oregon Ducks was overshadowed by a scary and controversial moment midway through the second quarter when Oregon quarterback Dante Moore left the game in an ambulance following a late hit from USC linebacker Desman Stephens. Following the hit, Stephens sparked widespread outrage for the way he…
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