Ole Miss' Robert Nkemdiche suspended for Sugar Bowl; declares for NFL draft

Ole Miss defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche has been suspended for the Sugar Bowl following a misdemeanor marijuana charge and will enter the 2016 NFL Draft, coach Hugh Freeze announced in a statement Sunday.

Nkemdiche's status for the bowl game came into question last week when he fell out of a hotel window in Atlanta and was later slapped with the charge by police.

"Last week, our Athletics Director and I informed Robert that he will not be joining us for the bowl game," Freeze said in the statement. "In addition, Robert has decided to declare for the NFL draft, and we will continue to support him as he prepares for the next chapter in his life. I look forward to sharing with NFL general managers and scouts what a unique and talented individual he is."

The former No. 1 recruit in the nation didn't participate in practices this week leading up to the New Year's Day contest against Oklahoma State. He'll head to Miami with his brother Bryan and begin preparing for April's draft.

Nkemdiche has been projected to be a top-5 pick in the draft, but that could change as a result of his latest off-field incident. In 11 games this season, the Atlanta native posted 29 tackles and a career-high three sacks.