Denzel Nkemdiche, a linebacker for the Ole Miss football team, will remain in the hospital Thursday, contradicting earlier reports.
Dr. Sunday Nkemdiche, the father of both Denzel and a Robert, a defensive tackle for Ole Miss, told The Associated Press Thursday his son was expected to be released that day. However, Ole Miss head football coach Hugh Freeze and the Nkemdiche family issued a statement shortly after saying otherwise.
"His well-being is all that matters right now, and we are making sure he receives the highest level of medical care," the statement read, according to The Jackson Clarion-Ledger. "While his condition is not life-threatening, he will not play this weekend. We thank the Ole Miss family for their concern and encouragement, and we appreciate everyone respecting the family's privacy during this time."
RebelGrove.com reported on Wednesday that Nkemdiche was admitted to Baptist Memorial Hospital in North Mississippi on Monday and was being treated at the ICU. The website learned the linebacker missed a meeting and was "found" with an unknown ailment the next day.
Speaking with reporters Wednesday, Freeze stated Nkemdiche was questionable for the team's home game on Saturday against LSU due to a "personal" matter.
The Ledger previously reported contacting the hospital to see if Nkemdiche was admitted, but a worker said there was no there with that name. The newspaper pointed out a patient's admittance does not need to be made public information.
Regardless, Dr. Sunday Nkemdiche confirmed his son was in the hospital, though neither he nor anyone else has disclosed the reason.
