USCs Lincoln Riley must suspend Desman Stephens II for disgusting behavior

It started with some disgusting sideline crowing, USC linebacker Desman Stephens II getting a hand slap and a shoulder bump from a teammate almost immediately after knocking Oregon quarterback Dante Moore out cold.It must end with silent retribution.It continued with Stephens extending his arms and flapping his hands as if to mock the Ducks while Moore lay motionless nearby.It must end with quiet reflection.It somehow didn’t stop there, Stephens shown laughing, dapping up teammates and marinating in his own viciousness while concerned medical personnel surrounded Moore.It must end with forced regret.Stephens clearly didn’t think he did anything wrong Saturday at the Coliseum, so now his coach must show him that he did.It turns out Lincoln Riley’s biggest moment of truth isn’t his response to a crushing 41-27 loss to the Ducks but the way he handles his player’s classless behavior.Don’t say that Stephens has served his time because he sat out the rest of the first half and all of the second Saturday after sending Moore to the hospital with a highly questionable hit to the head that was rightfully ruled as targeting.Riley must levy additional punishment for what came after the hit.That ridiculous display warrants at least a one-game suspension imposed by the team, though a longer sentence should be strongly considered to send the appropriate message.We will not stand for this.

This is not who we are.We are a classy program.Or are they?Some pointed out that this was not the first time a USC player has celebrated a ferocious hit under Riley.

During the 2024 season, Mason Cobb could be seen smiling and making a sleeping gesture with his hands after lowering his head and making helmet-to-helmet contact with a Rutgers quarterback.In the immediate aftermath of Stephens’ hit, Riley gave his player a pass.The coach said he didn’t see Stephens gloating on the sideline, so he didn’t have a response when asked about it after the game.If true, this is a failu...