Brandon Miller heckled with cries of 'lock him up' at Alabama game after he's linked with murder case
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA: Alabama star Brandon Miller was heckled with yells of "lock him up" while he played on the night of Wednesday, February 22 against South Carolina. This incident transpired the day after Tuscaloosa police gave evidence that the freshman forward handed the gun to a former teammate who had been involved in a tragic shooting in January.
Further investigation led to Miller being granted permission to take part in the Southeastern Conference game against the Gamecocks, according to DailyMail. Alabama said in a statement, "UA Athletics continues to cooperate fully with law enforcement in the on-going investigation of this tragic situation. Based on all the information we have received, Brandon Miller is not considered a suspect in this case, only a cooperative witness," according to DailyMail. The statement continued, "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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'Wrong spot at the wrong time'
Miller subsequently went on to record the most points ever scored by a freshman in a Division I game this year and in Alabama program history. He scored the winning basket in overtime with 0.9 seconds left after tied the score with 4.1 seconds left in regulation. Miller, however, was booed by the Colonial Life Arena audience as he touched the ball. The student section yelled "Lock him up" and "Guilty" repeatedly as Miller played.
South Carolina fans are chanting “Lock Him Up,” every time Brandon Miller touches the ball tonight. pic.twitter.com/BsoV0n1ecA
— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) February 23, 2023
Miller's participation in the incident wasn't made public until Tuesday. Nate Oats, the coach of the Crimson Tide, claimed that the school was aware of what happened, adding that Miller was in the "wrong spot at the wrong time." He later corrected his "unfortunate remarks," stating that he "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' family."
Is Brandon Miller facing any charges for the January 15 shooting?
Miller was not charged after the shooting death of 23-year-old Jamea Jonae Harris on Sunday, January 15. Former Alabama athletes Michael Lynn Davis and Darius Miles have been charged with capital murder. Miles, who was expelled from the program following his arrest, received the gun from Miller. Davis has been named as the shooter.
Miller's lawyer, Jim Standridge, said that his client was unaware of the firearm. In a statement, Strandridge stated, "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."
On Tuesday, February 21, Tuscaloosa police investigator Branden Culpepper testified that on January 15, Miles texted Miller to ask him to bring his gun to a spot off-campus where 23-year-old Harris was ultimately shot and killed. Reports claim that Miller cooperated by delivering Miles and Davis the gun. Paula Whitley, the top deputy district attorney in Tuscaloosa, said that they had no charges against Miller to bring, according to DailyMail.