Ole Miss' Nkemdiche sends statement apologizing for actions

OXFORD, Miss. (AP) Mississippi defensive lineman Robert Nkemdiche has apologized in a statement released through the school after being charged with possession of marijuana following a 15-foot fall at an Atlanta hotel over the weekend.

Nkemdiche said Tuesday in the statement that he ''made a mistake and put myself in an environment that does not reflect who I am as a person.'' Nkemdiche also said he did not use synthetic drugs.

Nkemdiche was hospitalized after the fall and has stitches in his back and leg, according to coach Ole Miss coach Hugh Freeze.

The coach has not made a decision about Nkemdiche's status against Oklahoma State in the Jan. 1 Sugar Bowl.

Nkemdiche says he will ''accept whatever consequences are necessary, but my hope is to finish this year's journey with my brothers.''