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The Michigan State Spartans could be without one of their better players heading into next season, if they decide to cut ties with Derrick Nix after events on Monday night and Tuesday. According to Joe Rexrode, Nix was arrested Monday night in East Lansing on charges of operating a vehicle with the presence of drugs and marijuana possession. The report states that Nix was still in jail as of noon on Tuesday, and had not been arraigned.
There's no more details as to Nix's arrest as it stands, but the Spartans have already made the move to suspend him. Head coach Tom Izzo released a statement through Matt Larson, also from the report from Rexrode:
"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."
It's clear they're taking this very seriously, so Nix's future with the team really could be in jeopardy. He averaged 8.1 points and 2.8 rebounds this past season, and many were excited to see him going forward. The report notes that operating a vehicle with the presence of drugs is a 93-day misdemeanor, while marijuana possession can result in a maximum penalty of a year in jail, though that is not typical.