The decision by Brandon Miller, Alabama freshman continuing his controversial pre-game introduction following his alleged links to the January shooting death of 23-year-old Jamea Jonae Harris drew intense criticism over the weekend.
During warm-ups prior to Saturday’s game against the Arkansas RazorbacksMiller continued a pregame ritual of being frisked by a teammate after being announced as part of the starting lineup.
Brandon Miller (24) listens to Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nate Oats during a timeout during a basketball game against the South Carolina Gamecocks on February 22, 2023 at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, SC. (David Jensen/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Last Tuesday, police testimony revealed that Miller was carrying the weapon belonging to former teammate Darius Miles.
BRANDON MILLER’S TWITTER ACCOUNT DISAPPEARES AFTER REACTION TO CONTROVERSIAL PRE-GAME RITUAL
While Miller continues to play and has not been charged with any wrongdoing, his decision to continue with the pregame ritual was not well received.
On Monday, Shannon Sharpe of Fox Sports tore up Miller’s decision and the pregame move in general.
Brandon Miller #24 of the Alabama Crimson Tide after defeating the Auburn Tigers at Neville Arena on February 11, 2023 in Auburn, Alabama. (Michael Chang/Getty Images)
«I understand you’ve been doing this routine, but Skip, once you become part of a murder investigation, you let it slide,» Sharpe explained. «It’s inappropriate. Someone tragically lost their life. And to the young woman’s family, I’m so sorry for what happened. It doesn’t make sense and it shouldn’t have happened.»
«But it’s not funny. It’s not pretty,» Sharpe said. «And first of all, you do that all the time. What’s cute? What’s so funny about a black man being frisked? Do you understand what’s going on in America? Do you think that’s cute? I don’t.»
Following Alabama’s victory over Arkansas, Crimson Tide head coach Nate Oats referred to the «frisk» and said it wouldn’t happen again.
Brandon Miller #24 of the Alabama Crimson Tide is frisked by a teammate during player introductions before giving a call against the Kentucky Wildcats at Coleman Coliseum on January 7, 2023 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Brandon Sumrall/Getty Images)
«I think that’s something that’s been going on all year. I don’t really know. I don’t watch our pitches, I’m not involved with them. I’m making plays during that time. It’s not appropriate anyway.» , it has been addressed and I can assure you that it definitely won’t happen again for the rest of this year,'» Oats said.
Sharpe was pleased that Oats referred to the ritual, saying he believes Miller should be allowed to play following the revelation that he carried the weapon.