During a game between the USC Trojans and Oregon Ducks, Oregon quarterback Dante Moore was knocked unconscious after being hit by USC linebacker Desman Stephens II, according to Yahoo Sports. The hit occurred as Moore was attempting to slide after scrambling for a first down, with roughly 10 minutes remaining in the second quarter, per Yahoo Sports.
The play was flagged for a targeting call, and USC's radio broadcast team's on-air assessment of the hit drew widespread criticism. CBS Sports reported that footage showed the USC radio crew questioning the targeting call, while Breitbart and the New York Post reported that broadcaster Pete Arbogast was blasted for appearing to blame Moore for the hit.
According to Yahoo Sports, commentator Paul Finebaum called for USC to fire head coach Lincoln Riley over the incident, which he described as an 'utter disgrace,' a claim reported only by Yahoo Sports.
Fox Sports reported on the broader response to the injury, including comments from Oregon head coach Dan Lanning, though specific details of his remarks were not provided in the available material.
How each side covered it
Center
- Yahoo Sports reported commentator Paul Finebaum calling for USC to fire coach Lincoln Riley over the incident.
- CBS Sports highlighted footage of the USC radio crew questioning the targeting call against their own team.
“‘A complete fraud of a coach’: Paul Finebaum calls for USC to fire Lincoln Riley after ‘utter disgrace’” — Yahoo Sports
Right
- Fox Sports covered Oregon coach Dan Lanning's response and the viral USC radio call.
- Breitbart and the New York Post reported fan backlash against USC broadcaster Pete Arbogast for comments perceived as blaming Dante Moore.
“USC radio broadcaster blasted for blaming Oregon QB Dante Moore after being knocked unconscious” — New York Post
Questions readers ask
What happened to Oregon quarterback Dante Moore?
Dante Moore was knocked unconscious during a game against USC after being hit by USC linebacker Desman Stephens II while sliding following a scramble, according to Yahoo Sports.
Why is the USC radio broadcast under scrutiny?
USC broadcaster Pete Arbogast was criticized for comments that appeared to blame Dante Moore for the hit, rather than focusing on the targeting call against USC's Desman Stephens II, according to Breitbart and the New York Post.
Did USC's hit on Moore result in a penalty?
Yes, the hit was flagged as a targeting call, which was reviewed on video footage, according to CBS Sports.
What did commentator Paul Finebaum say about USC coach Lincoln Riley?
According to Yahoo Sports, Finebaum called for USC to fire head coach Lincoln Riley, describing the incident as an 'utter disgrace.'
Sources · 5 outlet reports
- CBS SportsCenterWATCH: New footage shows USC radio crew questioning targeting call that resulted in Dante Moore injury
- Yahoo SportsCenter‘A complete fraud of a coach’: Paul Finebaum calls for USC to fire Lincoln Riley after ‘utter disgrace’
- BreitbartRight-leaningFans Blast USC Radio Broadcast Team for 'Embarrassing' Call of Illegal Hit on Dante Moore
- Fox SportsRight-leaningBehind the Scenes: Dan Lanning’s Speech, Oregon’s Response And A Viral USC Radio Call
- New York PostRight-leaningUSC radio broadcaster blasted for blaming Oregon QB Dante Moore after being knocked unconscious