The pregame ritual of Alabama basketball player Brandon Miller, which involves being patted down by a teammate after being announced for the starting lineup, has been canceled by Alabama coach Nate Oats following backlash ensuing from Miller’s connection to a recent murder.
Brandon Miller Photo Credit: Gamecock Central, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Jamea Jonae Harris was fatally shot in January. Law enforcement believe Michael “Buzz” Davis is the murderer and are currently trying him in court alongside former Alabama basketball player Darius Miles, who gave Davis a firearm used in the murder. Miles’ defense attorney Mary Turner argues he gave the gun to Davis “for protection.”
Miller’s connection is that he transported the firearm, which belonged to Davis, to the scene. AL.com reports, “Miles contacted Miller and asked him to bring his gun to where they were, according to police.”
The outlet also notes, “Miles admitted to contacting Miller to bring him his gun and said Davis had gotten the gun from Miller’s vehicle.”
Police also reportedly testified that Miller’s windshield was struck twice during the shooting when Davis fired at Harris and her boyfriend Cedric Johnson. Johnson would return fire and struck Davis in the shoulder.
Brandon Miller via The University of Alabama YouTube
Tuscaloosa chief deputy D.A. Paula Whitley explained to AL.com why Miller wasn’t charged, “That’s not a question I can answer. There’s nothing we could charge him with.”
According to CBS Sports, Miller’s attorney Jim Strandridge, “alleges his client never saw or handled the gun and that the weapon was concealed.”
Alabama Regular Season SEC Champs with Win Over Auburn in OT via Alabama Crimson Tide YouTube
The situation has caused widespread outrage, with many calling for Miller to be suspended from the basketball team.
Jamea Harris’ mother DeCarla, told USA Today, “it’s just unimaginable, and it’s like his life is just going on. He took a brief pause, and it didn’t stop. It’s like, OK, slap on the wrist and go play ball.”
Dick Vitale tweeted back on February 22nd, “I was SHOCKED by the comments of Alabama Men’s Basketball Coach Nate Oats yeterday but I am doubly SHOCKED that superstar Brandon Miller is scheduled to play tonight. Isn’t providing a gun to a teammate that was used in a murder a serious offense?”
Dick Vitale Twitter
On top of criticism for letting Miller play in the first place, he also received criticism for his long-standing pre-game ritual, which saw one of his teammates pat him down as he was introduced.
Outkick’s David Hookstead tweeted, “Brandon Miller gets MASSIVE ovation from Alabama fans and then a teammate pats him as if he’s performing a security search. Absolutely terrible look for Alabama.”
Brandon Miller gets MASSIVE ovation from Alabama fans and then a teammate pats him as if he’s performing a security search.
Absolutely terrible look for Alabama. pic.twitter.com/BNMirpHISw
— David Hookstead (@dhookstead) February 25, 2023
Deadspin contributor Criss Partee added, “So with this information now publicly known, watching Miller’s apparently blatant disrespect for the situation leads one to believe he doesn’t care about the victim or the seriousness of the legal proceedings. The fact that he’s done this intro throughout the season is no excuse for his failure to read the room. Considering all that’s happening around him, the fact that Miller is allowed to play is quite shocking.”
Head coach Nate Oats has addressed the situation, stating, “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.”
Nate Oaks Press Conference via Alabama Crimson Tide on AL.com YouTube
Brandon’s social media presence has faced criticism as well for having a picture of his pre-game ritual as his banner. He recently changed the banner before ultimately deleting his account following the criticism.
Ultimately, it’s up to the university to consider the impact of its decisions on the community and the institution’s reputation while ensuring that justice is served for the victim and her family.
Alabama vs Kentucky Basketball 2023 via The University of Alabama YouTube
Do you think Brandon Miller should be allowed to play? What do you make of the criticism surrounding the pre-game ritual?