Ole Miss' Robert Nkemdiche denies using synthetic drugs, apologizes in statement
Ole Miss All-American defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche has denied synthetic drugs were the reason he was hospitalized over the weekend.
In a statement released by the school on Tuesday, the junior referenced a report on Fox Sports' Outkick the Coverage blog, where Clay Travis cited multiple unnamed sources and stated "synthetic marijuana" contributed to Nkemdiche's fall from an Atlanta hotel window.
"I want to apologize to Rebel Nation, my teammates and my coaches for my actions last weekend. 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," the statement said. "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 Freeze in this position and will accept whatever consequences are necessary, but my hope is to finish this year's journey with my brothers."
Nkemdiche was charged with possession of marijuana after he broke a double-paned hotel room window, walked about 15 feet, climbed over a wall and fell 15 feet, according to police.
Travis reported Nkemdiche was "paranoid and convinced someone was chasing" him.
The police report stated "approximately seven rolled marijuana cigarettes" were in plain sight in the room.
When police arrived Saturday night, Nkemdiche was lying on the concrete in front of the Hyatt Hotel where he was "conscious and breathing." There were several "associates" of Nkemdiche at the scene but "none of them claimed to know what transpired," according to the police report.
The 6-foot-4, 296-pound junior from Loganville, Ga., received stitches on his back and leg and also suffered a swollen ankle from the fall.
Ole Miss coach Hugh Freeze addressed media on Monday and said Nkemdiche's availability for the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1 in New Orleans remains in the air.
Nkemdiche, who was the consensus No. 1 recruit in the country three years ago was named an Associated Press All-America on Sunday and is projected to be a potential first-round NFL draft pick. Some projections had him as high as being selected in the top five picks, but after this weekend's incident he could slide in the draft.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
This story was originally published December 15, 2015 at 4:06 PM with the headline "Ole Miss' Robert Nkemdiche denies using synthetic drugs, apologizes in statement ."