Dan Fouts Reflects on Violent Football Incident

Oregon legend Dan Fouts understands the violent nature of football. In a recent game against USC, Oregon’s linebacker Desman Stephens delivered a dangerous late hit on a sliding Dante Moore. The situation escalated when Stephens celebrated, while Moore was carted off the field due to injury.

Fouts commended Oregon head coach Dan Lanning for his handling of the scenario. Lanning gathered the team, calming them down and emphasizing the need for focus. He led a prayer for Moore, reminding players of their hard work and preparation, then redirected them to a football mindset. Fouts considered this approach to be ideal.

The way that Lanning handled it was perfect. He brought the team together, calmed them all down, said a prayer for Dante. And it reminded them about focus, and reminded them about the importance of what they’re doing, why they practiced so hard, why they’re prepared, and got back into a football mindset. But the order in which he did that, I thought was absolutely perfect,

Fouts shared his concern for Moore’s health upon witnessing the play, acknowledging the risks involved in the game. He commented on Stephens’ celebration, attributing it to youthful impulsivity.

USC has suspended Stephens for the upcoming game against Washington. The linebacker expressed remorse for his actions, issuing an apology.

I want to sincerely apologize for my actions during yesterday’s game. Seeing a player injured like that is incredibly serious, and my reaction in the moments afterward was completely inappropriate and inexcusable. 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.

Stephens acknowledged the need to learn from the incident, expressing his apologies to Moore, his family, and those who witnessed the reaction.

Lanning described Stephens’ hit on Moore as “disgusting.” Moore remains in the concussion protocol, with no confirmed return date.

Fouts, who played for Oregon before a 15-season career in the NFL with the San Diego Chargers, was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993.