Alabama basketball star Brandon Miller has been linked to the death of Jamea Harris, and police say he transported the gun used in the murder. However, he is still on the team.
The gun belonged to Miller’s former teammate, Darius Miles, who later gave it to Michael Davis, who allegedly pulled the trigger.
The University of Alabama has maintained that it is cooperating with law enforcement and as long as Miller stays out of legal trouble, he will play. Police have said they are not charging Miller with any crimes.
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Alabama Crimson Tide’s Brandon Miller looks for a lane during the first half against Vanderbilt Commodores at Coleman Coliseum on January 31, 2023 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Brandon Sumrall/Getty Images)
The victim’s mother says the Crimson Tide is mishandling the situation.
«It’s just unimaginable, and it’s like her life goes on,» DeCarla Cotton told USA Today Sports on Thursday. “She paused briefly and didn’t stop. It’s like, ‘OK, pat yourself on the wrist and go play ball. They’re worried about his career, but what about [my five-year-old grandson, Kaine]. He is the real victim in all of this. He will no longer have a mother who influences his growth and who he will be.
«When someone says bring them a gun, what do you think they’re going to do with it? And if there wasn’t a gun, she wouldn’t be dead.»
Harris’ stepfather, Delvin Heard, said the way Miller has been treated has been «horrible.»
Alabama Crimson Tide’s Brandon Miller after defeating the Auburn Tigers at Neville Arena on February 11, 2023 in Auburn, Alabama. (Michael Chang/Getty Images)
Miller could become a top-three pick in the NBA, and he showed why on Wednesday night for the second-ranked Crimson Tide. Miller scored 41 points, including the game-winning basket, in a 78-76 overtime victory over South Carolina. The performance came amid chants of «lock him up» from the Gamecocks crowd.
Miller’s attorney, Jim Standridge, issued a statement hours before the ad began clarifying that the prominent freshman «never saw the gun» belonging to Miles, who has since been charged with capital murder in the shooting death of harris near the university campus in January.
ALABAMA BASKETBALL STAR BRANDON MILLER PROVIDED GUN USED IN DEATH OF YOUNG WOMAN, POLICE SAY
«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 said, via the Tuscaloosa Patch.
«Mr. Miles brought his legal handgun and left it in the backseat of Brandon’s vehicle. Brandon never saw the gun or touched it. Also, we understand the gun was hidden under some clothing in the backseat of his car. «.
South Carolina Gamecocks’ Gregory Jackson II (23) defends Alabama Crimson Tide’s Brandon Miller (24) as he drives to the basket during a game on February 22, 2023, at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, SC. (David Jensen/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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The statement also said that Miller never interacted with Harris or Davis, who is also charged with capital murder.
Joe Morgan and Paulina Dedaj of Fox News contributed to this report.