USC's Ruffin suspended for a half after crotch stomp vs Tide

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 12:26 p.m. ET

foxsports

LOS ANGELES (AP) Southern California defensive end Jabari Ruffin will be suspended for part of the Trojans' next game after stomping on the groin of an Alabama player.

USC coach Clay Helton said Sunday that Ruffin will sit out the first half when the Trojans host Utah State on Saturday. The fifth-year senior also will write an apology letter.

Ruffin was ejected from the Trojans' humiliating 52-6 loss to the Crimson Tide in the second quarter when he stepped on Alabama's Minkah Fitzpatrick following a kickoff return.

The resulting penalty pinned the Trojans' offense on the USC 10. Two plays later, Alabama's Marlon Humphrey returned an interception 18 yards for a touchdown and a 17-3 lead to ignite the blowout.