Ole Miss’ Robert Nkemdiche releases statement following his fall at a hotel
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Three days after his 15-foot fall at an Atlanta hotel, Ole Miss defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche has released a statement.
“I want to apologize to Rebel Nation, my teammates and my coaches for my actions last weekend,” Nkemdiche said in a portion of the statement. “I made a mistake and put myself in an environment that does not reflect who I am as a person.”
Making matters worse, Nkemdiche was charged with possession of marijuana on Monday. According to the police report, an officer found approximately seven rolled marijuana cigarettes tied to Nkemdiche.
Nkemdiche disputed a report from Clay Travis of FOX Sports that claimed Nkemdiche was under the influence of synthetic marijuana at the time of the fall.
“Contrary to a report by FOX Sports, I did not use synthetic drugs,” Nkemdiche said. “I realize the dangers of drugs and alcohol and regret the lapse in judgement. 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.”
Ole Miss coach Hugh Freeze hasn’t made a decision as to whether Nkemdiche will play in Ole Miss’ Sugar Bowl matchup with Oklahoma State on Jan. 1. At a press conference on Monday, Freeze said he wanted to know all the facts first and meet with Nkemdiche.
“I have worked very hard to have this platform, and I want to use it in the right way and be able to role model for young players,” Nkemdiche said. “I am sorry for putting Coach Freeze in this position and will accept whatever my consequences are necessary, but my hope is to finish this year’s journey with my brothers.”
Born and raised in Gainesville, Talal joined SDS in 2015 after spending 2 years in Bristol as an ESPN researcher. Previously, Talal worked at The Gainesville Sun.
