USC's Jabari Ruffin suspended half-game for stomping on Alabama player's groin

USC has suspended Jabari Ruffin for the first half of its game against Utah State on Saturday for stomping on the groin of Alabama's Minkah Fitzpatrick, coach Clay Helton announced Sunday.

As part of his punishment, Ruffin will also write an apology letter.

"He understands his conduct is unbecoming of a Trojan and there will be zero tolerance moving forward," Helton said. "Jabari is a good kid who made a poor emotional decision. I am sorry as the head coach [and] he is also. I know that it will not happen again."

The stomp occurred late in the first half of Alabama's 52-6 win against USC on Saturdayafter a kickoff return. Ruffin was assessed a personal foul and ejected from the game.

It is unclear whether he will face additional punishment from the Pac-12.

"As with all personal flagrant fouls, the incident will be a part of the conference's normal review process of the weekend's games for possible additional sanctions," a conference spokesman wrote in an e-mail to ESPN.com.

Helton also said Osa Masina and Don Hill are expected to continue to practice and attend class and football-related meetings while under investigation for sexual assault. Hill initially made the trip to Texas for the game against Alabama, but was sent home Friday after his alleged involvement was made public.

"That's of this moment right now," Helton said Sunday evening.

Helton said he is following guidance from the university as it pertains to any discipline for either player.