Michigan State junior center Derrick Nix has been suspended from the basketball team following his arrest on charges of marijuana possession and operating a vehicle with the presence of drugs.
In a statement released early this afternoon, Spartans coach Tom Izzo said:
“Based on the information we have received, Derrick Nix has been suspended indefinitely from our basketball team, and his future with our program is uncertain. He made an irresponsible decision that has put his future with our program in serious jeopardy.”
Nix, who averaged 8 points and nearly 4 boards per game during the 2011-2012 season, was early Tuesday morning (12:20am) in East Lansing.
As of noon Tuesday, the 6-foot-9 center was still in jail and had not yet been arraigned.
According to USA Today, operating with the presence of drugs is a 93-day misdemeanor, and marijuana possession is a misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of a year in jail.
ESPN writes that prior to his arrest and suspension, Nix had trimmed down to 267 pounds for preseason practices after weighing as much as 340 and rejuvenated his career during his junior season.
If Derrick Nix misses an extended period of time or is dismissed from the team permanently, fellow center Adreian Payne likely will shoulder more responsibility inside.
Payne started 36 games this season, averaging 7.0 points.
via ESPN
