Ole Miss DT Robert Nkemdiche apologizes for weekend incident

A few days after his well-publicized fall from a fourth-floor window of a Georgia hotel, Ole Miss defensive lineman Robert Nkemdiche issued an apology for his actions on Tuesday.

Nkemdiche was briefly hospitalized after the Saturday fall, which police said was about 15 feet. He was also charged with possession of marijuana after police found “approximately 7 rolled marijuana cigarettes” in the hotel room where Nkemdiche was staying.

A report emerged Tuesday that said Nkemdiche smoked synthetic marijuana prior to his fall. He denied these claims.

Here is Nkemdiche’s statement in full:

“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. 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 fell Saturday after police said he broke through his hotel room window and stepped out onto a ledge that encircles the building. He fell from the ledge to the street below.

When asked about Nkemdiche’s status for the Jan. 1 Sugar Bowl against Oklahoma State, Rebels head coach Hugh Freeze said he had not reached a decision.

From RebelGrove.com:

"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 Monday. "I haven't even had a chance yet to visit with him. I certainly owe him that before we talk about details. The main concern when I first heard it was his health of course. …I look forward to visiting with them. When you and I grew up, we made our mistakes and they weren't always on the front page of everything. Unfortunately today when kids do, it's well-known. 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, but we'll visit today when he gets back and hopefully be able to get through it that's best for both of us."

Freeze said he talked with Nkemdiche and his father, Dr. Sunday Nkemdiche, Sunday night. Robert Nkemdiche, Freeze said, apologized.

"I just told him I'm glad you're OK," Freeze said. "Sometimes when bad things happen man, there's some silver linings if there are any. It's a blessing he wasn't on the 10th floor, you know? It could've been tragic."

Nkemdiche, a junior, was a second-team All-SEC selection this season and is considered a top NFL prospect.