alabama freshman Brandon Miller scored a career-high 41 points in the Crimson Tide’s thrilling overtime victory over South Carolina on Wednesday night, just hours after his attorney clarified his ties to the deadly shooting of Jamea Harris. .
Miller’s attorney, Jim Standridge, issued a statement hours before kickoff clarifying that the standout freshman «never saw the gun» that belonged to his former teammate. Dario Mileswho has since been charged with capital murder in the shooting death of Harris near the university campus in January.
Nick Pringle, #23, talks with Brandon Miller, #24, of the Alabama Crimson Tide as they return to the bench during a basketball game against the South Carolina Gamecocks on February 22, 2023 at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, Carolina from the south. . (David Jensen/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
«On January 14, Brandon played in an afternoon basketball game and was later asked by Darius Miles to drive him to the Strip area for a nightclub,» the statement read, via the Tuscaloosa Patch.
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«Mr. Miles brought his legal weapon and left it in the backseat of Brandon’s vehicle. Brandon never saw the gun or handled it. Additionally, we understand the gun was hidden under some clothing in the backseat of his car. «.
The statement went on to say that instead of going into the nightclub, Miller went off to get food. Miles later contacted him to pick him up to go to a different location and while already on his way, Miller received a text from Miles asking him to «bring him your firearm.»
Alabama forward Darius Miles looks to pass in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against LSU in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on March 5, 2022. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert, File)
Miller’s attorney claimed that he never «interacted with anyone in Ms. Harris’s party» or with Michael Lynn Davis, who is also charged with capital murder. He also disputed the claim that Miller’s vehicle blocked the path of the car in which Harris was a passenger at the time of the shooting.
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His car was hit by bullets, but Miller’s attorney said he «fully cooperated with law enforcement’s investigation» and the events described were captured on video.
The statement followed testimony on Tuesday alleging that Miller transported the gun used in deadly shooting.
Alabama issued a statement shortly after confirming that Miller is «an active member of our team,» paving the way for him to play in Wednesday night’s game.
“Based on all the information we have received, Brandon Miller is not considered a suspect in this case, only a cooperating witness. Today’s statement from Brandon’s attorney adds additional context that the University has considered as part of its review of the facts. Based on all the data we’ve collected, Brandon continues to be an active member of our team.»
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Miller faced booers from the student section who chanted, «Lock him up» and «Guilty!» several times throughout the night, but did not stop one of best college basketball players scoring a career-high 41 points, including the go-ahead basket with 0.9 seconds remaining in overtime to win the game 78-76.
Miller’s performance marked the first 40-point night for an Alabama player 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 during a basketball game on February 22, 2023 at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, South Carolina. (David Jensen/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
«It’s what they’ve done their whole lives and they’ve put some of the outside stuff aside,» head coach Nate Oats said after the game. «I think Brandon did a great job preparing himself mentally to play.»
«Could have been a distraction. But Brandon showed up.»
Oats issued a statement Tuesday night clarifying his comments after facing backlash for initially saying Miller was in the «wrong place at the wrong time.» He doubled down on his apology Wednesday night.
«I’m not here to make excuses, but I want to make it clear that I didn’t have the details of the hearing that morning because I was coming straight from practice,» Oats said. «I used a poor choice of words, making it sound like I wasn’t taking this tragic situation, which we’ve had throughout the course, seriously. I sincerely apologize for that.»
Associated Press contributed to this report.