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Lincoln Riley explains decision to suspend USC's Desman Stephens II

Southern California head coach Lincoln Riley addressed the one-game suspension handed down to linebacker Desman Stephens II following a dangerous hit and subsequent celebration during a recent contest. During a 41-27 defeat against Oregon, Stephens delivered a forearm blow to quarterback Dante Moore as the signal-caller attempted to slide, triggering a concussion and sparking a near-brawl among opposing team members.

While Riley noted he did not witness the incident live, he expressed strong disapproval regarding how the defender reacted on the field afterward. After conferring with athletic director Jen Cohen, the coach confirmed that Stephens will sit out the upcoming matchup against Washington.

Riley emphasized that although the player made a serious error in judgment lacking proper situational awareness, the coaching staff remains committed to supporting him through the disciplinary consequence.

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