Brandon Miller & Alabama Teammates Receive Backlash as Team Continues Pat-Down Ritual Despite Freshman’s Link to Shooting

Police earlier this week revealed that Alabama freshman phenom Brandon Miller Has a connection with a shooting that occurred near campus last month.

Police say Miller was transported but never handled. His ex-teammate’s alleged murder weapon, Darius Miles. Miles was the legal owner of the gun and allegedly gave it to Michael Davis.

Miles and Davis have been accused of capital murder in the killing of Jameajonae Harris, 23 years old. Miller is not expected to be charged by police.

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Brandon Miller (24), of the Alabama Crimson Tide, is greeted by a teammate at player introductions before tipoff against Kentucky Wildcats at Coleman Coliseum Jan. 7, 2023 in Tuscaloosa.  (Brandon Sumrall/Getty Images)

Miller cooperated with law enforcement, and avoided any legal trouble. He has played for the team, drawing a lot of criticism.

Despite Standing ovation Miller was still furious after his first home match.

Miller has been introduced into the starting lineup every single time. Every time, a teammate pats Miller down, as if Miller were in security. Miller and his teammate continued their ritual, despite the revelation. They received a lot of backlash.

After defeating the Auburn Tigers at Neville Arena February 11, 2023 in Auburn, Ala., Brandon Miller, of the Alabama Crimson Tide, was named the winner.  (Michael Chang/Getty Images)

“Absolutely terrible look for Alabama,” David Hookstead of OutKick tweeted.

“At best tone deaf, at worst heartless towards the victim’s family,” Another user on Twitter wrote.

“If you’re Brandon Miller you’ve gotta think about at least ditching the security pat down intro, no?” Another thought.

Nate Oats (head coach), who has defended his decision to play Miller, addressed the ritual following the game and stated that it would no longer be held.

“I think that’s something that’s been going on all year. I don’t really know. I don’t watch our introductions, I’m not involved with them. I’m drawing up plays during that time. Regardless, it’s not appropriate, it’s been addressed and I can assure you it definitely will not happen again the remainder of this year,'” Oats said.

ESPN’S JAY BILAS DEFENDS ALABAMA’S HANDLING OF BRANDON MILER SITUATION AMID SHOOTING LINK

At the Coleman Coliseum, Jan. 14, 2023 in Tuscaloosa (Ala.), Nate Oats, head coach, gives coaching advice to Brandon Miller (24).  (Brandon Sumrall/Getty Images)

Miller is not considered a suspect but a witness in the crime.

“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,” Jim Standridge is Miller’s attorney. In a statementvia the Tuscaloosa Quilt 

“Mr. Miles brought his legal handgun and left it 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 backseat of his car.”

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Despite being chanted “Enough!”lock him upMiller, who scored 41 points and the game-winning shot in the 78-76 overtime win at South Carolina earlier this week, dropped 41 points. He is likely to be the fifth-best pick in this summer’s NBA Draft, and could even be in the top 3.

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