The New York Times stands by its report that a quarter alabama men’s basketball The player, Kai Spears, was present the night 23-year-old Jamea Jonae Harris was shot to death near the university’s campus on January 15, despite denials from Spears and the university.
Surveillance video reviewed by the Times allegedly showed Spears, a freshman, in a car with the SEC player and newcomer of the year. Brandon Miller.
Miller was previously connected to the January shooting after police testimony alleged that he transported former teammate Darius Miles’ gun to the scene that was used in the shooting.
Alabama forward Brandon Miller enters the lane during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Missouri in the semifinals of the Southeastern Conference Tournament, Saturday, March 11, 2023, in Nashville, Tennessee. (AP Photo/John Amis)
Although Miles has since been accused of deadly murder, Miller is not facing charges. His attorney said the prominent freshman did not know at the time that he was in possession of the firearm.
ALABAMA BASKETBALL PLAYER STRONGLY DENIES BEING AT SCENE OF DEADLY SHOOTING: ‘100% INACCURATE’
Another freshman, Jaden Bradley, was also present at the time of the shooting, police said.
According to the report, Spears was in Miller’s vehicle that had been hit by two stray bullets. None of the players was injured.
When asked about the report on Wednesday, Spears told the newspaper, «I’m sorry, I’m not going to be able to talk about it,» but on Thursday released a statement on her Instagram calling the report «100% wrong.»
«I have one thing to say: the report in the New York Times was 100% inaccurate and the writer disregarded the truth,» his post read. «I am trying to process and deal with these false statements that have somehow been published and then seen by so many. I am very grateful to the Alabama Athletics for disproving them on my behalf.»
A general view of a basketball with the logo of Alabama vs. LSU during the game at Coleman Coliseum. Tuscaloosa, Alabama, January 14, 2023. (Greg Nelson/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)
The New York Times told Fox News Digital on Friday when contacted for comment that it stands by its original report that Spears was the fourth Alabama player on the scene during the fatal shooting in January.
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Christian Spears, Spears’ father and Marshall’s athletic director, issued a separate statement Thursday calling the report «irresponsible and demonstrably false.»
«I am incredibly disappointed by the irresponsible and demonstrably false reporting by The New York Times,» Christian Spears said via the athletic department. «We are exploring all legal options at this time. I will have no further comment, instead referring to the University of Alabama statement on the matter.»
Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne also released a statement calling the report «inaccurate», stating that the only other players on the scene besides Miles were Miller and Bradley.
Darius Miles, #2 of the Alabama Crimson Tide, drives the ball against the LSU Tigers during a game at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center on March 5, 2022 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Jonathan Bachmann/Getty Images)
«Some inaccurate accounts of Alabama student-athlete involvement have been reported that show an unfortunate disregard for the facts. We ask everyone to exercise due diligence before reporting this sensitive situation.»
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Michael «Buzz» Davis, who is not affiliated with the Alabama men’s basketball team, also faces capital murder charges in the alleged murder of Harris, who was the mother of a 5-year-old boy.
Alabama entered men NCAA Tournament as the No. 1 overall seed. It defeated No. 16 Texas A&M Corpus-Christi in a first-round game on Thursday.