State DE Nick Bell Remains In ICU And is in "Grave" Condition.

A few weeks ago, he had a mass removed that was from a lesion that he had removed two years earlier. This weekend it was discovered that the cancer had spread through his whole body. He underwent emergency surgery and is in ICU. Mullen and around 50 teammates are travelling to Birmingham tonight to see Nick and his family. Prayers Sent. If you pray, this guy needs one tonight.

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STARKVILLE — The cancer in Mississippi State defensive end Nick Bell‘s body has spread and the sophomore took a “turn for the worse” in recent days, coach Dan Mullen says.

Mullen spoke to the Monday Morning Quarterback Club in Birmingham, Ala., today, where he provided the update. Bell is at the University of Alabama-Birmingham Hospital.

“We found out this weekend it’s metastasized through his body,” Mullen said, according to The Birmingham News. “He took a little turn for the worse in the past three days. He’s in a battle right now. He’s struggling, so I’m going to go over and visit him.”

UPDATE (5:50 p.m.): Mullen released a statement to members of the media shortly before 6 p.m.

“Late last night, we received a call from Nick Bell’s mother, who informed us that Nick had suffered a setback in his battle with cancer. He underwent emergency surgery early this morning and is currently in intensive care at UAB.

“Megan and I had the opportunity to visit Nick this afternoon, and told the team about his condition at a team meeting when we returned. A group of about 50 of us will travel back to Birmingham tonight to spend time with Nick and his family this evening.

“We ask that everyone keeps Nick and his family in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”

Jon Solomon describes Mullen as emotional in his report.

“Hopefully, we’ve given him a foundation to fight for the future and give him those things — that hard work and belief — that he can accomplish it,” Mullen said. “If you can keep him in your prayers, I’d really appreciate that.”

A mass was removed from Bell’s brain on Oct. 1 and it was later diagnosed as a form of skin cancer, according to a statement released by Dr. Allen Sills of Vanderbilt University.

The skin cancer was believed to be related to a lesion that was removed from Bell’s forehead two years ago.

Bell experienced headaches and hand weakness earlier this season, Sills said, which prompted a visit to the hospital and the subsequent surgery in Nashville.

Mullen canceled an appearance at the Jackson Touchdown Club this evening, we’ve been told. Mullen is meeting with the team on campus as of this writing.

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