NBA prospect Brandon Miller breaks his silence on ‘heartbreaking’ shooting that killed Jamea Harris and ‘lock him up’ chants he has faced from fans
University of Alabama freshman Brandon Miller has broken his silence about the ‘heartbreaking’ shooting that killed Jamea Jonae Harris in Tuscaloosa, Alabama last month as he addressed the media for the first time since the fatality.
In February, Tuscaloosa police testified that Miller was the individual who brought ex-teammate Darius Miles the gun that was used to kill Harris, 23, though Miles’ friend, Michael Davis, is thought to be the alleged shooter.
The mother of one was fatally wounded on January 15.
On Wednesday, the projected lottery pick was put in front of the media for the first time, and when questioned on the incident, he said: ‘I never lose sight of the fact that a family has lost one of their loved ones that night.
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‘This whole situation is just really heartbreaking. Respectfully, that’s all I’m going to be able to say on that.’
Brandon Miller declined to discuss specifics of what he called a ‘heartbreaking situation’
The shooting killed Jamea Jonae Harris; Miles was arrested and charged with capital murder
Miller has been under scrutiny after bringing Darius Miles his gun before a fatal shooting
Miller also answered a question about the scrutiny he has been facing when he said: ‘We hear the chants. I just feel like we just really lean on each other to just go to places like that and just try to pull out tough wins.’
Chief Assistant District Attorney Paula Whitley told AL.com on Feb. 21 that ‘there’s nothing we could charge [Miller] with.’
Despite his involvement in the incident Miller has remained active with the Alabama basketball team, despite drawing criticism from many onlookers.
Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne told Rece Davis and Pete Thamel on February 22 and explained that it was a joint decision between himself, head coach Nate Oats, and school president Dr. Stuart R. Bell to allow Miller to play.
Miller was also criticized for his pregame introduction routine against Arkansas on Feb. 25 when a teammate patted him down as he entered the court.
Oats called the routine ‘not appropriate’ and said his players were told him they were simulating a person being checked by the Transportation Security Administration before boarding a flight and had done it for multiple games this season.
The coach also said the players wouldn’t do the introduction routine again after that game.
While speaking on Wednesday Oats was asked if he noticed Miller doing anything differently to handle the scrutiny he has been under.
Alabama head coach Nate Oats called Miller a ‘great kid in a tough situation’ on Wednesday
‘It’s a tough situation for all of us and it’s just sad, to be honest with you, but I don’t, I never thought Brandon was flippant with any of it ever,’ Oats said.
‘So as far as off-the-court goes, not necessarily huge changes but I didn’t think there needed to be any big changes.
‘He’s a great kid that we’re all going through a tough situation together and we’re just trying to lean on each other through this deal to be honest with you.’
Miller has averaged 19.6 points and 8 rebounds per game this season to earn his status as a predicted high draft pick.
