Oct 18, 2014; Oxford, MS, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Justin Worley (14) advances the ball while being chased by Mississippi Rebels defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche (5) during the game at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports
Ole Miss has suspended All-American defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche for the Sugar Bowl game, head coach Hugh Freeze confirmed Sunday.
Nkemdiche was charged with possession of marijuana last week following a fall from a hotel wall. He fell 15 feet twice and suffered mild injuries after breaking a window in a room, according to a police report.
The Atlanta Police Department released a report last Monday and said there were seven rolled marijuana cigarettes in a hotel room tied to Nkemdiche, considered a likely top-10 draft pick, at the Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead.
Freeze told ESPN.com on Sunday that the decision to suspend Nkemdiche came down to maintaining discipline within the program.
“I’m totally indebted to this guy. He helped change our program (as the No. 1 recruit in the country when he signed),” Freeze said. “I look forward to sharing with NFL scouts and general managers his unique ability and talent.”
Nkemdiche, a junior, has told Ole Miss officials he will enter the NFL draft early. He has recorded 29 tackles and three sacks this season. Nkemdiche was named to the AP All-America second team. He missed two games for the Rebels this season after he sustained a concussion against Memphis on Oct. 17.
Nkemdiche has dropped from No. 4 to the No. 12 2016 draft prospect overall by NFLDraftScout.com. He is ranked No. 1 at his position.
Mississippi will play Oklahoma State in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1.
