USC radio announcer's description of Dante Moore hit draws criticism
USC radio play-by-play announcer Pete Arbogast faced backlash after his on-air description of a targeting hit on Oregon quarterback Dante Moore was deemed inaccurate and downplayed the severity of the play.
During a game last Saturday, USC linebacker Desman Stephens delivered a hit that knocked Oregon quarterback Dante Moore out of the contest and required him to be taken to a hospital on a stretcher. Oregon coach Dan Lanning called the sequence "disgusting" and both Moore and USC coach Lincoln Riley later issued apologies. Moore was placed in concussion protocol and will miss additional time.
In the live broadcast, USC radio announcer Pete Arbogast described the play, stating that Stephens "went in helmet-first" and that Moore "did not try to slide feet first" and "ducked into that hit." Arbogast later revised his comment, saying the replay showed Moore sliding on his knee rather than feet first and that the hit did not appear to be targeting. Color analyst Shaun Cody expressed surprise at the assessment.
The commentary has been criticized for appearing to minimize the hit, prompting discussion among fans and media about the accuracy of the broadcast description.