Oregon coach says defensive tackle won't be disciplined over play that injured Iamaleava

Oregon head coach Dan Lanning said defensive tackle Bear Alexander will not face internal discipline over a play that left UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava injured, telling reporters the contact was not intentional.

The incident drew attention after Alexander appeared to throw a punch toward the football during the game, catching Iamaleava in the process. Lanning addressed the matter directly, saying his player's intent was to dislodge the ball rather than to harm the opposing quarterback.

The comments come as both programs continue through their conference schedules, with the health of UCLA's starting quarterback likely to be a storyline in the coming weeks. Neither school has released further detail on the extent of Iamaleava's injury.

Lanning's public defense of Alexander suggests Oregon does not anticipate any conference or program-level sanction tied to the play, though that determination ultimately rests with officiating and conference review bodies rather than the team itself.