Dan Lanning, Oregon players condemn hit on Dante Moore: 'Disgusting play'

Oregon Coach Dan Lanning and several Ducks players have condemned a hit on quarterback Dante Moore as "disgusting." The incident occurred during Oregon's win over USC on September 29th, 2022. Moore was injured while attempting to slide after scrambling to throw a pass. Southern California linebacker Desman Stephens II hit Moore's head with his forearm, causing Moore's head to hit the ground hard.

Moore was immediately knocked out and spent several minutes on the ground before being stretchered off and taken to a hospital. Stephens was ejected from the game for targeting. The Ducks players, including receiver Dakorien Moore and running back Dierre Hill Jr., expressed their belief that the hit was intentional and described it as "very dirty."

The controversy led to a scuffle between the teams, resulting in unsportsmanlike conduct penalties for both sides. Oregon coach Lanning commended his team for remaining composed after the incident. No celebration was observed following the play, according to Lanning and USC coach Lincoln Riley. Stephens was heavily criticized on social media and during the NBC broadcast for his celebration, but neither coach saw this happening.

Lanning expressed disappointment in the situation and prayed for Stephens to learn from it. Moore was taken to a nearby hospital and is currently recovering, though his coach has not specified the extent of his injury.