Barely a month after the NCAA deemed blue-chip Mississippi State basketball recruit Nick Weatherspoon eligible to compete, the freshman guard has fallen into legal trouble.
Oktibbeha County sheriff’s deputies arrested Weatherspoon early Sunday for driving under the influence and running a red light, both misdemeanors. He has been released on a total bond of $980.
MSU men’s basketball coach Ben Howland has responded to the situation, but his statement shed little light on what further consequences Weatherspoon could face as a result of his arrest.
“I’m aware of the situation, and I’ve talked to Nick and his family,” Howland said in a statement. “This is a matter we will handle internally, and at this time I have no further comment.”
Weatherspoon, the younger brother of fellow MSU guard Quinndary Weatherspoon, entered the program as a four-star prospect, according to 247Sports and Scout.com, after leading Kemper County High School to the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 3A State title in 2017.
“I’m excited about having him,” Quinndary said earlier this summer about Nick being on MSU’s 2017-18 team. “I know the last two years we played together we won state championships and only lost four games, so I’m excited to see what we’re going to do at the college level.”
Nick Weatherspoon’s enrollment was delayed until July as he awaited a decision from the NCAA clearinghouse about his eligibility.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 32 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.