Robert Nkemdiche Suspended for 2016 Sugar Bowl: Latest Comments and Reaction

Ole Miss star defensive lineman Robert Nkemdiche has been suspended for the 2016 Sugar Bowl, the school and head coach Hugh Freeze announced on Sunday, per Patrick Ochs of the Sun Herald:

Nkemdiche, a junior, was arrested and charged with possession of marijuana in December after falling out of an Atlanta hotel window.

Nkemdiche wasn't present at the bowl practices open to the media last week, per the Clarion-Ledger, though the player had been holding out hope he might play in the Sugar Bowl against Oklahoma State.

He released the following statement Sunday, per Ochs:

Suspending the defensive lineman was the logical decision, according to Barrett Sallee of Bleacher Report:

Nkemdiche was named a second-team Associated Press All-America selection this season after notching 29 tackles, seven tackles for loss and three sacks and is expected to be a top-10 selection at the 2016 NFL draft.

Nkemdiche's time at Ole Miss was tumultuous. While he was a top recruit, was excellent on the field and helped usher in a new era of success at the school, he ran into several issues during his time with the program. Namely, in 2014, he and his brother, Denzel, were sued by Matthew Baird, who claimed the brothers attacked him at a frat party, per Tyler Estep of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.  

While Nkemdiche is now heading to the NFL, redshirt freshman Breeland Speaks is expected to start in his place against Oklahoma State and likely will slide into the starting role for the 2016 season. Junior defensive tackle  D.J. Jones may also see some playing time in the bowl game.