Alabama forward and presumptive 2023 first-round NBA draft pick Brandon Miller will travel with a security guard during the NCAA Tournament. The star freshman has been accused of giving a gun to former teammate Darius Miles shortly before the shooting of Jamea Jonae Harris in January.
Miller will reportedly require extra security after receiving threats ahead of the tournament, according to head coach Nate Oats.
“If you guys saw some of what I’ve seen sent his way, I think you’d understand why that’s the case,” Oats said. “I don’t want to get into all of that … Our administration has seen stuff I’ve seen and [the security] is appropriate. It’s nothing a college kid should have to go through. I think if you read or see what I’ve seen, you’d understand why that’s going on right now.”
Details about Miller’s alleged involvement in the incident first came to light in late February, when Tuscaloosa police provided testimony for the case. Miller allegedly brought the gun to Miles, the owner of the firearm. Miles was in possession of the gun in the car while driving and allegedly handed it to his friend Michael Davis, who has been accused of firing the shot that killed Harris.
Miles and Davis have since been indicted on capital murder charges, but no action has been taken against Miller by prosecutors or the university. When he was first named in the case, Tuscaloosa Chief Deputy District Attorney Paula Whitley said that Miller won’t face any charges for his involvement.
Tensions at road games have been heightened for Miller since he became involved in the case. Fans rooting against Alabama have routinely mentioned the shooting in chants by suggesting that Miller be locked up. The forward hasn’t been fazed by these comments, however, and recently led the Crimson Tide to a win in the SEC Tournament.
Because he was not directly involved in the shooting and is not facing criminal charges, Alabama has maintained that Miller is eligible to play for the basketball program and has not taken any disciplinary action. Alabama is a one-seed in the NCAA Tournament and is one of the favorites to win the event.
