Alabama AD Greg Byrne details Brandon Miller's emotional state, remorse amid controversy

Earlier this week, police testimony linked Alabama star Brandon Miller to last month’s shooting involving former Crimson Tide player Darius Miles that killed Jamea Jonae Harris. That news sent a shockwave across the college basketball community considering Miller’s status as a potential lottery pick in the NBA Draft, and the fan response was apparent during Wednesday’s game against South Carolina.

Miller has played in every game since the tragedy. But off the court, he’s dealt with plenty of emotions since, Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne said during an appearance on the ESPN College GameDay podcast.

“I know Brandon, I like Brandon. I’ve been around him quite a bit,” Byrne said. “Obviously, this has been very tough on him and his teammates, everybody. Obviously, victim and her family. He certainly has had a lot of emotion through this, as you’d expect.”

Miles allegedly texted Miller that night, and testimony suggested he asked him to bring the gun. However, Byrne said Miller thought he was giving Miles a ride and didn’t know there was a gun in the car. Miller’s car was also struck by gunfire that night.

The gun belonged to Miles, as previous court records showed, and Michael Davis pulled the trigger. Miles has been charged with capital murder and was removed from campus and the Alabama basketball team right after the news broke.

Miller’s attorney also released a statement explaining his side of the story one day after the testimony came out and said Miller didn’t touch the gun or know anything illegal was going to happen.

“Mr. Miles texted Brandon and asked him to bring his firearm,” a portion of the statement read. “Brandon subsequently arrived at the scene to pick up Mr. Miles. Brandon never got out of his vehicle or interacted with anyone in Ms. Harris’ party. He was never involved in a verbal altercation with Cedric Johnson or Mr. Davis.

“Brandon never touched the gun, was not involved with an exchange to Mr. Davis in any way, and never knew that illegal activity involving the gun would occur.”