Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Alabama's Miller: Whole situation 'heartbreaking'

Written by 
Published in Breaking News
Wednesday, 08 March 2023 13:12

Alabama freshman forward Brandon Miller declined to discuss specifics about the fatal shooting of Jamea Jonae Harris in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, last month, but called the entire situation "really heartbreaking."

Miller spoke to the media Wednesday for the first time since Tuscaloosa police investigator Branden Culpepper testified on Feb. 21 that Miller had received a text message from his ex-teammate, Darius Miles, to bring Miles' gun to the scene where Harris was killed.

Miles and his friend, Michael Lynn Davis, have since been charged with capital murder -- Davis for allegedly firing the shot that killed Harris and Miles for providing the gun. It is considered capital murder in Alabama because Harris was inside a vehicle when she was shot.

Chief Assistant District Attorney Paula Whitley told AL.com on Feb. 21 that "there's nothing we could charge [Miller] with." Whitley has declined interview requests from ESPN since, saying she doesn't comment on active cases.

Miller had initially gone with Miles and freshman guard Jaden Bradley, who was also on the scene that night, to a bar in Tuscaloosa but when the line was too long, Miller left Miles and Bradley there to go to a restaurant, Miller's attorney, Jim Standridge said, and did not arrive until minutes before the shooting.

On Feb. 22, Miller said in a statement he never touched the gun, never saw the gun and that it was hidden under some clothing in the back seat of Miller's car. Gunfire also hit the windshield of Miller's Dodge Charger during the shooting. Standridge said Miller has fully cooperated with police.

"I never lose sight of the fact that a family has lost one of their loved ones that night," Miller said. "This whole situation is just really heartbreaking. Respectfully, that's all I'm going to be able to say on that."

Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne went on a podcast with Rece Davis and Pete Thamel on Feb. 22 and explained the Crimson Tide's decision to allow Miller to keep playing without suspension despite his involvement on Jan. 15 and said it was a collective decision between himself, Alabama head coach Nate Oats, school president Dr. Stuart R. Bell and others at the university. Miller said he's heard the chants on the road -- at South Carolina, fans chanted "Lock him up" and "Guilty" at him -- but that he has leaned on his teammates throughout, including when there have been questions about whether or not Miller should still be playing for Alabama.

"We hear the chants," Miller said. "I just feel like we just really lean on each other to just go to places like that and just try to pull out tough wins."

Miller was also criticized for his pregame introduction routine against Arkansas on Feb. 25, which had him patted down before entering the court. Oats, who called it "not appropriate," said his players told him it was simulating a person being checked by the Transportation Security Administration before boarding a flight. He had done it for multiple games this season.

Oats said it would not happen again after the Arkansas game. On Wednesday, when asked about how he noticed Miller handling scrutiny and if he's changed at all, said he believes Miller has taken it seriously from the beginning.

"It's a tough situation for all of us and it's just sad, to be honest with you, but I don't, I never thought Brandon was flippant with any of it ever," Oats said. "So as far as off-the-court goes, not necessarily huge changes but I didn't think there needed to be any big changes.

"He's a great kid that we're all going through a tough situation together and we're just trying to lean on each other through this deal to be honest with you."

Wednesday was the first time Alabama had made players available since the Feb. 21 preliminary hearing.

Information from ESPN's Jeff Borzello was used in this report.

Read 129 times

Soccer

NWSL roundup: Banda carries Pride past Courage

NWSL roundup: Banda carries Pride past Courage

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsBarbra Banda scored two goals and helped create two others as the O...

Crew take down Monterrey, advance to CCC final

Crew take down Monterrey, advance to CCC final

Goals from Aidan Morris and Diego Rossi on either side of halftime led the Columbus to a 3-1 victory...

Postecoglou: Spurs undecided on Werner future

Postecoglou: Spurs undecided on Werner future

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsAnge Postecoglou said Tottenham are undecided whether to take up th...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Celtics 'learning from our mistakes,' close out Heat

Celtics 'learning from our mistakes,' close out Heat

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsBOSTON -- The Boston Celtics pounded the short-handed Miami Heat 11...

Clips on brink but still believe, cite recent history

Clips on brink but still believe, cite recent history

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsLOS ANGELES -- After playing their worst game of the series and los...

Baseball

Dodgers ace Buehler expected to return on Mon.

Dodgers ace Buehler expected to return on Mon.

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsPHOENIX -- Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Walker Buehler is expected t...

Mets' Lindor exits early with flu-like symptoms

Mets' Lindor exits early with flu-like symptoms

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsNEW YORK -- Francisco Lindor left the New York Mets' game against t...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated