Alabama freshman Brandon Miller dropped a career-best of 41 factors within the Crimson Tide’s thrilling extra time victory over South Carolina on Wednesday night time, simply hours after his lawyer clarified his ties to the lethal capturing of Jamea Harris.
Miller’s lawyer, Jim Standridge, launched a press release hours earlier than tipoff clarifying that the freshman standout “never saw the handgun” belonging to former teammate Darius Miles, who has since been charged with capital homicide within the capturing demise of Harris close to the college’s campus in January.
Nick Pringle, #23, talks to Brandon Miller, #24, of the Alabama Crimson Tide as they stroll again to the bench throughout a basketball recreation towards the South Carolina Gamecocks on Feb. 22, 2023 at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, South Carolina. (David Jensen/Icon Sportswire through Getty Images)
“On January 14th, Brandon played in a basketball game in the afternoon and later was asked by Darius Miles for a ride to the Strip area to go to a nightclub,” the assertion learn, through the Tuscaloosa Patch.
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“Mr. Miles brought his legal handgun and left in the backseat of Brandon’s vehicle. Brandon never saw the handgun nor handled it. Further it is our understanding that the weapon was concealed under some clothing in the back seat of his car.”
The assertion went on to say that as a substitute of going contained in the nightclub, Miller left to go get meals. He was later contacted by Miles to choose him up and go to a special location and whereas he was already on the way in which, Miller obtained a textual content from Miles asking him “to bring him his firearm.”
Alabama ahead Darius Miles seems to move within the second half an NCAA faculty basketball recreation towards LSU in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, March 5, 2022. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert, File)
Miller’s lawyer claimed that he by no means “interacted with anyone in Ms. Harris’ party” or Michael Lynn Davis, who can be charged with capital homicide. He additionally disputed a declare that Miller’s car blocked the trail of the automotive that Harris was a passenger in on the time of the capturing.
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His automotive was struck by bullets, however Miller’s lawyer mentioned that “he has fully cooperated with law enforcement’s investigation” and the occasions described have been captured on video.
The assertion adopted testimony on Tuesday that alleged that Miller transported the gun used within the lethal capturing.
Alabama launched a press release shortly after confirming that Miller is “an active member of our team,” clearing the way in which for him to play in Wednesday night time’s recreation.
“Based on all the information we have received, Brandon Miller is not considered a suspect in this case, only a cooperative witness. Today’s statement from Brandon’s lawyer adds additional context that the University has considered as part of its review of the facts. Based on all of the facts we have gathered, Brandon remains an active member of our team.”
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Miller confronted hecklers from the coed part who chanted, “Lock him up,” and “Guilty!” a number of occasions all through the night time, nevertheless it didn’t cease one among faculty basketball’s prime gamers from scoring a career-high 41 factors, together with the go-ahead basket with 0.9 seconds left in extra time to win the sport 78-76.
Miller’s efficiency marked the primary 40-point night time for an Alabama participant since 2017.
Gregory Jackson II, #23, of the South Carolina Gamecocks defends Brandon Miller, #24, of the Alabama Crimson Tide as he drives to the basket throughout a basketball recreation on Feb. 22, 2023 at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, South Carolina. (David Jensen/Icon Sportswire through Getty Images)
“It’s what they’ve done their whole lives and let some of the outside stuff out of their mind,” head coach Nate Oats mentioned after the sport. “I thought Brandon did a great job really getting himself mentally ready to play.”
“It could’ve been a distraction. But Brandon showed up.”
Oats launched a press release Tuesday night time clarifying his remarks after going through backlash for initially saying that Miller was within the “wrong place at the wrong time.” He doubled down on his apology Wednesday night time.
“I’m not here to make excuses, but I want to make it clear I didn’t have the details from the hearing that morning since I was coming straight from practice,” Oats mentioned. “I used a poor choice of words, making it appear I wasn’t taking this tragic situation seriously, which we have throughout the course of it. I sincerely apologize for that.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.