Report: Ole Miss suspends LB Denzel Nkemdiche for season opener vs. Boise State

Denzel Nkemdiche (4) is one of four Ole Miss players who have been arrested this offseason. (Dave Martin/AP) Ole Miss has suspended linebacker Denzel Nkemdiche

Denzel Nkemdiche (4) is one of four Ole Miss players who have been arrested this offseason. (Dave Martin/AP)

Ole Miss has suspended linebacker Denzel Nkemdiche for the Rebels' opener against Boise State on Aug. 28, reports Hugh Kellenberger of Jackson's Clarion-Ledger.

Nkemdiche also won't participate in spring practice as part of punishment stemming from his arrest last month on charges of disturbing the peace, disorderly conduct and failure to comply with a police officer. A redshirt junior who garnered All-SEC Second Team honors in 2013, Nkemdiche played in 10 games and made 35 tackles last fall.

Ole Miss coach Hugh Freeze said he hopes Nkemdiche can take something positive from this situation.

“I hope [Nkemdiche] can really learn from mistakes that have been made and get back to being who he can be. He’s a good kid.”

Nkemdiche's arrest was one of four this offseason for the Rebels. Linebacker Serdarius Bryant was also arrested in February on charges of disturbing the peace and public drunkenness. According to Kellenberger, Bryant is still participating in Ole Miss' spring practice, which began on Tuesday.

Freeze also addressed the legal troubles of cornerback Bobby Hill and defensive end Channing Ward.

The most serious charge of all involved Bobby Hill, on sexual battery. He is no longer a part of the team or a student at Ole Miss, Freeze said. He indicated the case went through the university’s student affairs process. Channing Ward, who pled guilty to DUI charges in his hometown of Aberdeen, has not had a punishment announced, and may not. Freeze said, “There is a lot more to that story. I would hope he would be cleared.”