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USC football stars sparked controversy on Saturday night by going straight for the end zone just minutes after an opposition player left the game in an ambulance.
Michigan State linebacker Wayne Matthews III was rushed to a Los Angeles hospital during their defeat to USC after suffering a frightening injury which left him motionless on the turf.
Matthews appeared to be knocked out cold after trying to tackle the Trojans' Waymond Jordan in the second quarter. Spartans medical staff loaded the 23-year-old Maryland native onto a stretcher and then a cart that took him to a waiting ambulance at the edge of the field.
He was rushed to LA General Hospital, a Level 1 trauma center - the highest for these types of injuries - according to Fox sideline reporter, Alexa Landestoy. Michigan reporter Emmett Matasovsky later confirmed that Matthews' motor skills are 'intact', before head coach Jonathan Smith said initial signs were 'positive' at the hospital.
However, just minutes after he was carted off the field and taken to hospital, USC players caused a stir online when they immediately scored a touchdown.
On a second-and-goal Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava picked out wide receiver Tanook Hines in the end zone for the touchdown, which angered certain college football fans on social media.
USC players were slammed for a 'low class play' after an opponent was taken in an ambulance
WARNING - Strong language
One user shared a video of the touchdown on X and said in the background: 'God damn USC bruh. After a motherf***er just got injured and taken off on a stretcher you just gonna go for the end zone?
'Have a f***ing heart man, s***.'
Another also posted: 'Low class play. After msu player Wayne Matthews is carried off the field, usc should have run it up the middle softly to respect msu and the game of football.'
'I just said that to my wife. that was bulls***,' one fan replied.
Yet not everyone agreed with that take, including one user who commented: 'Did you just expect them to stop playing? They were well in the red zone already around the 10. It’s not like they threw a bomb.'
'It was second and goal. That’s exactly what they would have done. That’s what you do. The f***?' wrote another in disbelief.
'Softest post all night,' concluded a third. 'What the hell do you expect them to do? Sad for the player, but the games goes on.'
Michigan State linebacker Wayne Matthews III was rushed to an LA hospital after a huge hit
As he was taken into the ambulance with his neck and head stabilized, Matthews did offer a 'thumbs up' gesture to teammates who offered support to show he was alert.
Trojans fans then gave him a standing ovation as he left the field at the LA Coliseum.
Meanwhile, many of Matthews' Michigan State teammates took part in a group prayer before play resumed.
USC's immediate touchdown after his injury saw them go into halftime with a 24-10 lead, before they eventually sealed a 45-31 victory.
