Ole Miss' Robert Nkemdiche denies synthetic drug use
OXFORD - Ole Miss defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche apologized for his actions last weekend in a statement released via email by the Ole Miss athletic department Tuesday afternoon.
"I want to apologize to Rebel Nation, my teammates and my coaches for my actions last weekend," the statement read. "I made a mistake and put myself in an environment that does not reflect who I am as a person. Contrary to a report by FOX Sports, I did not use synthetic drugs. I realize the dangers of drugs and alcohol and regret the lapse in judgment.
"This does not reflect the core values that my mother and father instilled in our family. I am a very spiritual person, and drugs have no place in my belief system. As I move forward, I have learned a valuable lesson about the ramifications of a bad decision. I have worked very hard to have this platform, and I want to use it in the right way and be a role model for young players. I am sorry for putting Coach (Hugh) Freeze in this position and will accept whatever consequences are necessary, but my hope is to finish this year’s journey with my brothers."
Freeze said Monday that Nkemdiche's status for the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1 (7:30 p.m., ESPN) against No. 16 Oklahoma State (10-2, 7-2 Big 12) was uncertain after the junior was charged with possession of marijuana. Freeze first wanted to speak with Nkemdiche.
"Any time these things happen with young men, there's no cut-and-dry answer, particularly when you don't know all the facts and issues," Freeze said. "I haven't even had a chance yet to visit with him. Certainly owe him that before we talk about details.
"It certainly was a poor decision to be in the environment he was in. Again, without knowing the details, it's hard to say exactly all the issues that are involved."
Nkemdiche was scheduled to rejoin the team Monday, when the No. 12 Rebels (9-3, 6-2 SEC) began preparations for the bowl game.
The Atlanta Police Department said in a report that it found approximately seven rolled marijuana cigarettes in a hotel room tied to Nkemdiche at the Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead after responding to an incident last Saturday night.
Members of the GI Squad, Narcotics Unit and Crime Scene Unit responded to the hotel following a 911 call about an injured person, which was Nkemdiche. An APD report released Sunday afternoon said Nkemdiche fell down an approximately 15-foot wall.
Nkemdiche was conscious and breathing when police responded and was in stable condition when taken to a local hospital, according to the report.
Freeze said Nkemdiche required stitches in his back and legs and had a swollen ankle.
The 6-foot-4, 296-pound Nkemdiche has 29 tackles, seven tackles for loss and three sacks this season. Mock drafts have widely projected him to be taken within the first round of next April’s NFL Draft, if he chooses to pursue a pro career early.
Contact Daniel Paulling at dpaulling@jackson.gannett.com. Follow @DanielPaulling on Twitter.