Authorities say Alabama basketball standout brought gun used in deadly Tuscaloosa shooting
According to a court hearing Tuesday, Alabama freshman basketball standout Brandon Miller reportedly took a gun to 'The Strip' in Tuscaloosa after receiving a text from his now former teammate Darius Miles.
UPDATE: Attorney says Brandon Miller 'never touched' gun used in shooting
That gun was used in the killing of Jamea Harris in January.
Miles and Michael Davis are each charged with capital murder. This new information came out during the defendants' preliminary hearing.
Alabama head basketball coach Nate Oats said he had been fully aware of Miller's actions, and made it clear Miller is not in any trouble. Oats said they have been cooperating fully with law enforcement the entire time.
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"We knew about that - you know you can't control everything anybody does outside of practice. College kids are out. Brandon hasn't been in any type of trouble nor is he in any type of trouble in this case. Wrong spot at the wrong time."
Later Tuesday evening, Oats released a statement addressing the comments he made about Miller earlier in the day.
I thought it was important for me to clarify the unfortunate remarks I made earlier. This entire time I've tried to be thoughtful in my words relative to this tragic incident, and my statements came across poorly. We were informed by law enforcement of the other student-athletes being in the vicinity, and law enforcement has repeatedly told us that no other student-athletes were suspects they were witnesses only. Our understanding is that they have all been fully truthful and cooperative. In no way did I intend to downplay the seriousness of this situation or the tragedy of that night. My prayers continue to go out to Jamea Harris's family.
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During the Paul Finebaum Show, Athletic Director Greg Byrne said Miller is expected to play Wednesday night in Alabama's game at South Carolina. Byrne said Miller is with the team and went through pregame activities Wednesday afternoon.
As to what this could mean to Miller's chances in the NBA, Oats said he's sure scouts will ask because they do their homework.
ESPN projects Miller to be taken number four overall in the 2023 NBA Draft this June.
A motion to set bond for Miles was denied by the judge during the hearing.
