Ole Miss’ Nkemdiche brothers sued for battery, alleged victim seeking $2 million
It has been a rough couple days for Ole Miss linebacker Denzel Nkemdiche. On Saturday night – the night of his 21st birthday – Nkemdiche was arrested and charged with disturbing the peace, disorderly conduct and failure to comply with a police officer. All three charges are misdemeanors according to The Clarion Ledger.
On top of that, Fox Sports is reporting that Nkemdiche and his younger brother (and teammate) Robert are being sued in civil court for “battery, negligence, and intentional infliction of emotional distress for which the plaintiff is seeking two million dollars in damages.” The incident in question occurred on February 17, 2013.
Per the complaint, Denzel Nkemdiche and Robert, who was a senior in high school and had been committed to Ole Miss at the time, along with five other Ole Miss football players, were involved in a fight at the Kappa Alpha fraternity house at Ole Miss.
According to the report, after the fight broke out at the house, members of the fraternity decided to clear out the house. At that time Denzel Nkemdiche “was observed ripping off his shirt and screaming, ‘I’m going to beat that mother------‘s ass!’”
Soon after that, the plaintiff, identified as Matthew Baird, and a friend, Ford Everett, decided to leave the house. At that point it is alleged that, “without any provocation,” Denzel “punched the plaintiff in the back of the head, immediately knocking him out.”
After the plaintiff was knocked out, Robert Nkemdiche and five other unidentified football players, then are accused of “kicking and stomping the plaintiff as he was passed out on the ground.” Everett then “dove on the ground and covered the unconscious plaintiff.” Everett was badly beaten in the incident and, according to the complaint, his eardrum was busted and his middle ear was severely injured.
As a result of the attack, the plaintiff was allegedly “knocked unconscious for 12 to 15 minutes” and “his body began to convulse in a seizure.” The plaintiff was transported to the emergency room and treated for multiple injuries.
Before authorities arrived at the scene, the Nkemdiche brothers and the other football players fled the scene.
Ole Miss athletic department officials already announced a suspension for Denzel Nkemdiche related to his arrest this week and also released a statement to Fox Sports concerning the suit against both Nkemdiche brothers.
“When this alleged incident occurred, the proper authorities investigated the matter and could find no evidence of wrong-doing related to Denzel and Robert Nkemdiche or any other members of our football program,” the statement said. “This is a personal matter for them and we will support Denzel and Robert while they defend themselves in this civil case.”
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