University of Oregon quarterback Dante Moore has vowed to return to the field soon as he recovers from a concussion he sustained after taking a terrifying hit against USC on Saturday, September 26.
“To my team, the community and to the world, thank you,” he wrote via Instagram on Monday, September 28. These past 2 days have been very difficult, but through all of your prayers I have made progress.I can only worry about today and making sure I give today its full attention. I’ll be back soon. Go Ducks!”
The Ducks came away with the road win, 41-27, but the team’s thoughts were with Moore, 21, who left the stadium in an ambulance after USC linebacker Desman Stephens II slid into him, resulting in a concussion.
Stephens was ejected from the game for targeting and the Trojans suspended him for their next contest due to the severity of the hit and his subsequent celebration.
Oregon coach Dan Lanning updated the media on his quarterback in a statement the next day.
“Fortunately, his MRI and CT scans came back clean and he did not suffer any additional injuries,” he said. “Every concussion is different and we are going to move forward with an abundance of caution to ensure we make the best decisions for Dante and his future.”
Lanning, 40, continued, “We are extremely appreciative of our entire medical staff and the medical staffs at USC and LA General [Medical Center] for their quick and thorough action in making sure Dante received the very best care possible.”
Lanning also spoke out about the tackle that resulted in the injury after the game, calling it “a disgusting play.”
“The energy changed,” he told reporters. “A lot of guys on the sideline, they were emotional in that moment, including myself.”
USC head coach Lincoln Riley also sent his best to Moore, telling reporters, “[You] never want to see that with any opponent, no matter how competitive the game is. So, we wish him a speedy recovery.”
He later called Stephens’ actions “unacceptable” and “not reflective of USC football nor of his personal character.”
Stephens issued a statement of his own on Sunday, apologizing and taking responsibility for his actions.
“Seeing a player injured like that is incredibly serious, and my reaction in the moments afterward was completely inappropriate and inexcusable,” he said. “Regardless of what was going through my mind at the time, there is no justification for smiling or celebrating while another player receives medical attention.”
He continued, “I take full responsibility for my actions. That is not the person or teammate I want to be, and I will learn from this.”
“I am deeply sorry to Dante, his family and everyone who saw my reaction,” the statement concluded. “It is not representative of USC or our program. I hope he makes a full and speedy recovery.”
