Former Westover standout Trenton Thompson hospitalized

ATHENS, Ga. (TNS) — Georgia star defensive tackle Trenton Thompson was hospitalized overnight Thursday following a “medical emergency” and has withdrawn from classes, the school announced.

Thompson, a sophomore from Westover High School, was the Most Valuable Player of the Bulldogs’ Liberty Bowl win over TCU and a former 5-star recruit. According to a report by WSB-TV in Atlanta, a police officer on patrol about 1 a.m. Thursday noticed Thompson wandering in the road, appearing “very unsteady on his feet” and displaying “very bloodshot” eyes.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that no alcohol or illegal drugs were involved in Thompson’s episode. In a statement, Georgia announced that the incident was caused by an adverse reaction to prescription medicine.

“Trenton was recently discharged from the hospital and remains under close medical care,” Georgia’s statement read in part. “With respect to last night’s incident, the physical appearance and behavior described in the UGA PD report is solely related to an adverse reaction to medications prescribed specifically for his medical condition. The adverse reaction required emergency transport to Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center where he was treated and released.”

WSB’s Zach Klein reported that police indicated Thompson told them he took “two Oxys.” However, Georgia’s statement said Thompson tested negative for Oxycontin, a highly addictive opioid painkiller.

The 6-foot-4, 309-pound Thompson was rated by 247 Sports Composite the No. 1 player in the country in 2015, and played in 12 games as a true freshman. He emerged as a standout as a sophomore, totaling 56 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss and five sacks.