NKEMDICHE SUSPENDED, WILL OPT FOR NFL DRAFT
Mississippi defensive tackle Rob
ert Nkemdiche was suspended for the Sugar Bowl and has declared for the NFL draft, according to a statement released Sunday by the university’s athletics department. “Last week, our athletics director ( Ross Bjork) and I informed Robert that he will not be joining us for the bowl game,” coach Hugh Freeze said in the statement. “In addition, Robert has decided to declare for the NFL draft, and we will continue to support him as he prepares for the next chapter in his life. I look forward to sharing with NFL general managers and scouts what a unique and talented individual he is. Robert has made an immeasurable impact on our program, and we are forever indebted to him. He and his family will always be part of the Ole Miss family.” Said Nkemdiche: “While I wish I could have finished this journey with my team, I am grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of this program, and I am ready to begin the next phase of my life. I have learned a valuable lesson in the last week, and I look forward to showing NFL personnel that this is not representative of my true character. I want to thank my coaches, my teammates and Rebel Nation for their support these past three years, and I look forward to making them proud for years to come.” Nkemdiche’s status became a question mark a week ago when he fell off an approximately 15-foot wall at an Atlanta-area hotel, according to the Atlanta Police Department. Freeze said last Monday that it was not cut and dried whether Nkemdiche would be able to play in the bowl, though a day later Nkemdiche released a statement through Mississippi that said he hoped to play.