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Oregon defensive tackle Bear Alexander will not face team discipline after striking UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava in the helmet during Saturday’s 17-15 loss to the Bruins, coach Dan Lanning said Monday.
The incident occurred in the second quarter when Alexander and Oregon linebacker Jerry Mixon tackled Iamaleava during a scramble. As the quarterback went to the ground, Alexander swung his right arm and struck him in the chin and helmet area.
Lanning said Alexander was attempting to force a fumble but acknowledged that the action came too late and was not executed properly.
Dan Lanning Explains Alexander’s Actions
Lanning said Oregon had emphasized trying to dislodge the ball when opposing quarterbacks ran with it. However, he acknowledged that Alexander’s attempt was inappropriate.
“Obviously it’s late, and it’s not the way it needs to be done.” Lanning said. “It wasn’t executed the right way, and Bear knows that.”
Lanning added that Alexander told him he had not intended to hurt Iamaleava. The coach also said he believed the quarterback’s injury resulted from contact to his lower body rather than the strike to his helmet.
Alexander finished the game with six tackles. Lanning confirmed that the defensive tackle would not receive internal disciplinary action over the incident.
UCLA Coach Calls Punch Egregious
UCLA coach Bob Chesney criticized Alexander’s actions when discussing the play Monday. Although Chesney did not see the punch happen live, he said Iamaleava told him that Alexander had struck him.
“When you see it, it’s certainly egregious.” Chesney said. “It shouldn’t be a play that is allowed to occur in this sport, and it’s a shame that that was missed by officials.”
Iamaleava suffered a knee injury on the play, leaving UCLA with serious concerns about his availability. The team was awaiting further information about the injury and its recovery timeline.
The incident also drew comparisons to a hit on Oregon quarterback Dante Moore during the Ducks’ game against USC. USC suspended defensive lineman Desman Stephens II following that play, prompting some fans to call for similar action against Alexander.
Lanning, however, maintained that Alexander was attempting to force a fumble rather than deliberately injure the UCLA quarterback.
Oregon Prepares For Nebraska
Oregon must now turn its attention to Nebraska after losing to UCLA 17-15 at Autzen Stadium. The defeat ended the Ducks’ home winning streak against the Bruins, who earned their first victory at the venue since 2004.
Lanning also indicated that Oregon would make changes to its offensive operation following the loss, although he declined to provide details.
“There’s going to be some changes, some differences in the way that we operate and what we do,” Lanning said.
The Ducks will host Nebraska on Saturday, with Alexander expected to remain available unless the Big Ten takes separate disciplinary action.
