Oregon's Lanning Reciprocates Sportsmanship with UCLA's Chesney

Oregon head coach Dan Lanning has demonstrated continued sportsmanship towards UCLA coach Bob Chesney, reciprocating a gesture of goodwill. Chesney revealed Tuesday that Lanning had reached out to inquire about injured Bruins quarterback Nico Iamaleava, mirroring an action Chesney took weeks prior regarding Oregon's quarterback Dante Moore.

Lanning's support extended beyond a simple inquiry. Chesney stated that Lanning offered assistance when UCLA's team plane was delayed during their return trip. "He also called when we were in the hotel when our plane was delayed [heading home] and was like, ‘Is there anything we could help with? Do you need a place to go?’ " Chesney said. "I think he’s as stand-up a person as exists in this profession."

This exchange follows Lanning's public acknowledgment of Chesney's concern for Moore. After Moore sustained a concussion following a hit during a game against USC, Chesney had contacted Lanning to offer support. Lanning expressed his respect for Chesney and his program in a late September interview. Moore was sidelined for Oregon's recent loss to UCLA but is expected to return this season.

Iamaleava, however, suffered a season-ending knee injury late in the second quarter of the game against Oregon. The Bruins will rely on backup quarterbacks Ty Dieffenbach and Madden Iamaleava for the remainder of the season. Chesney announced that Dieffenbach is slated to start for No. 12 UCLA (5-0 overall, 3-0 Big Ten) in their upcoming game against Wisconsin (4-1, 2-0).

Chesney did not dwell on Lanning's comments regarding a disciplinary incident involving Oregon defensive tackle Bear Alexander. Alexander's punch to Iamaleava's helmet during the game was described by Chesney as "egregious." Lanning suggested that Alexander was attempting to dislodge the ball, acknowledging that the execution was not ideal and that Alexander expressed regret for the action.