Ex-NFL Star Robert Nkemdiche Arrested for Alleged Grocery Smuggling in Georgia
Former NFL star Robert Nkemdiche, a one-time first-round draft pick, was arrested last week in Georgia following an incident where police allegedly observed him leaving a grocery store with items hidden in his clothing. The 31-year-old ex-Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle was taken into custody during a routine business area check by officers.
Police Report Details Suspicious Activity
According to a police report obtained by TMZ Sports, an officer spotted Nkemdiche exiting a Kroger store with what appeared to be concealed grocery items. The officer reported seeing "many large objects, square and rectangular shapes, consistent with concealed grocery items, inside his sweatpants." This prompted the officer to call for backup as Nkemdiche walked toward a nearby gas station.
Officers approached the 6-foot-3, 300-pound former football star and immediately placed him in double-locked handcuffs. Although the items were no longer in his pants upon detention, police later discovered frozen grocery items, candy bars, and almond milk scattered in the parking areas of the Kroger and the adjacent gas station.
Store Declines to Press Charges but Issues Trespass Warning
Authorities returned to the store to verify if the items had been stolen. A store representative informed police that they did not wish to press charges regarding the groceries. However, they requested that Nkemdiche be criminally trespassed from the premises, barring him from future entry.
Outstanding Warrants Lead to Arrest
After running Nkemdiche's name through the system, officers uncovered several outstanding warrants across multiple states, including three in Georgia. Based on these warrants, authorities requested that he be taken into custody. Nkemdiche was subsequently arrested and booked into jail, with the perishable grocery items recovered from the parking lot being discarded.
Prior Legal Issues and Background
Nkemdiche, who played college football for the Ole Miss Rebels, has faced previous legal troubles. In 2015, he was arrested on drug possession charges following an incident where he allegedly fell from a fourth-floor hotel window. This recent arrest adds to his history of run-ins with the law, highlighting ongoing challenges for the former NFL athlete.
