[Goose]

As a follow-up, Stephens has been suspended for 1 game. It is less than a slap on the wrist. The following quote:

"Desman's actions in last night's game are unacceptable and are not reflective of USC football nor of his personal character," USC coach Lincoln Riley said in a statement. "He understands his mistake, accepts the consequences of his actions and will learn from this. The entire Trojan Family wishes Dante a full recovery, and we send our best regards to him and his family."

Coach Riley is wrong about two things. It most definitely reflective of USC football. It is undeniably reflective of Desman Stephens character. I really object to characterizing such actions as "mistakes". Mistakes are something that happens because you fail to understand the situation correctly, make a wrong decision and in full good faith do the wrong thing. Making an illegal hit that could seriously injure another player is simply never an option. No "decision" or "understanding" is required to know such actions are always inadmissible. Period. The fact Mr. Stephens doesn't posses an innate barrier to such actions is indeed a serious character flaw IMO.
 
What I think Mr. Stephens actually learned is that he can do whatever he wants and the worst thing that will happen is he will be suspended for a game. He will still be accepted and embraced as a true member of the "Trojan Family" as if it never happened. I think Mr. Riley taught him that lesson by failing to simply expel him from the team, the "Trojan Family". Mr. Riley will tolerate players that can make that kind of "mistake".  That makes me also question Mr. Riley's character.

[Goose]

As a follow-up, Stephens has been suspended for 1 game. It is less than a slap on the wrist. The following quote:

"Desman's actions in last night's game are unacceptable and are not reflective of USC football nor of his personal character," USC coach Lincoln Riley said in a statement. "He understands his mistake, accepts the consequences of his actions and will learn from this. The entire Trojan Family wishes Dante a full recovery, and we send our best regards to him and his family."

Coach Riley is wrong about two things. It most definitely reflective of USC football. It is undeniably reflective of Desman Stephens character. I really object to characterizing such actions as "mistakes". Mistakes are something that happens because you fail to understand the situation correctly, make a wrong decision and in full good faith do the wrong thing. Making an illegal hit that could seriously injure another player is simply never an option. No "decision" or "understanding" is required to know such actions are always inadmissible. Period. The fact Mr. Stephens doesn't posses an innate barrier to such actions is indeed a serious character flaw IMO.
 
What I think Mr. Stephens actually learned is that he can do whatever he wants and the worst thing that will happen is he will be suspended for a game. He will still be accepted and embraced as a true member of the "Trojan Family" as if it never happened. I think Mr. Riley taught him that lesson by failing to simply expel him from the team, the "Trojan Family". Mr. Riley will tolerate players that can make that kind of "mistake".  That makes me also question Mr. Riley's character.