Alabama's Brandon Miller requires personal security at NCAA Tournament after receiving death threats
Alabama will virtually have a home game in the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament, playing just over an hour away from Tuscaloosa in Birmingham. Even so, tensions are high due to freshman forward Brandon Miller and his off-the-court situation. Nate Oats revealed threats on Miller have poured in, causing for a security move to be made.
Miller will have a security guard around him on Wednesday due to the threats. Oats explained the decision, saying he and the administration decided to make the move. Email addresses have been the outlet where Miller has received the threats.
“If you guys saw some of what I’ve seen sent his way, I think you would understand why that’s the case,” Oats said. “Some of the messages from people that can sit behind fake email addresses, but who knows whether they’re real or not, that I’ve seen. … Our administration has seen what I’ve seen, and it’s appropriate. It’s nothing a college kid should have to go through.”
Miller has been heavily scrutinized since his name was linked to the murder of Jamea Harris. Former teammate Darius Miles has been indicted with a capital murder charge already. No such charges have been pressed against Miller and he has continued to play.
On the basketball court, Miller has been playing like a first-team All-American. Multiple outlets have named him as such and impressive SEC Tournament performances have backed up the notion.
Miller was named the SEC Tournament MVP after averaging a double-double over the course of three games. His performance against Texas A&M stood about above all, recording a double-double in the championship game.
Alabama plays Texas A&M-CC on Thursday. If they are able to advance, the winner of Maryland-West Virginia will be on the other end, waiting in the Round of 32. Especially in front of a presumed home crowd, expectations will be high for the Crimson Tide.
Miller will have a ton of support in the arena as well. But for now, an extra step has been taken by Alabama for their own player’s safety.
Nate Oats praises Brandon Miller for playing through controversy
The end of Alabama’s season has been marred by controversy. Brandon Miller, Alabama’s star freshman was named in police testimony saying that Darius Miles texted him to bring the gun used in the killing of Jamea Jonae Harris. Miller isn’t being charged and head coach Nate Oats continues to play him.
Now, Oats has praised Miller for how he’s handled this situation. In particular, for how he’s handled the situation behind the scenes.
“He’s taken this whole situation very seriously since Day 1,” Oats said. “It’s a tough situation for all of us. It’s just sad, to be honest with you. I never thought Brandon was flippant with any of it, ever. As far as off-the-court goes, not necessarily huge changes.”