Brandon Miller taunted with ‘lock him up’ chants as Alabama play him against South Carolina

Alabama star Brandon Miller was taunted with chants of ‘lock him up’ while he played in Wednesday night’s game at South Carolina, a day after Tuscaloosa police testified the freshman forward transported the gun to a then-teammate that was used in a fatal shooting last month.

The school said it looked further into the situation and cleared Miller to play in the Southeastern Conference game against the Gamecocks. Miller wasn’t charged in the Jan. 15 shooting death of 23-year-old Jamea Jonae Harris.

‘UA Athletics continues to cooperate fully with law enforcement in the on-going investigation of this tragic situation,’ Alabama said in a statement. ‘Based on all the information we have received, Brandon Miller is not considered a suspect in this case, only a cooperative witness. 

‘Today’s statement from Brandon’s lawyer adds additional context that the University has considered as part of its review of the facts. Based on all of the facts we have gathered, Brandon remains an active member of our team.’

Michael Lynn Davis and former Alabama player Darius Miles are facing capital murder charges. Miller brought the gun to Miles, who was dismissed from the program after his arrest. Davis has been identified as the shooter.

Miller’s attorney, Jim Standridge, said his client didn’t see the weapon.

‘Brandon never saw the handgun nor handled it,’ Standridge said in a statement. ‘Further, it is our understanding that the weapon was concealed under some clothing in the back seat of his car.’

On Tuesday, Tuscaloosa detective Branden Culpepper testified that Miles texted Miller on January 15, asking his then-teammate to bring his gun to an off-campus area, where 23-year-old Harris was later shot and killed. Miller allegedly complied, driving the gun to Miles and Davis, who are both facing capital murder charges for Harris’ death. 

When Miller arrived at the scene, he allegedly contacted Miles in a text message, writing that ‘the heat is in the hat,’ and adding that ‘there’s one in the head,’ according to Culpepper. As the Detective explained, Miller was allegedly indicating that there was a gun in a hat inside his car with a round in its chamber. 

On Tuesday, Tuscaloosa chief deputy district attorney Paula Whitley told AL.com that there was nothing they could charge Miller with.

Miller’s involvement in the incident wasn’t publicly known until Tuesday. Crimson Tide coach Nate Oats said the school knew and his remarks included ‘wrong spot at the wrong time,’ in regards to Miller being at the scene.

Oats later clarified his ‘unfortunate remarks’ and said, ‘in no way did I intend to downplay the seriousness of this situation or the tragedy of that night. My prayers continue to go out to Jamea Harris’ family.’

Another Alabama player, Jaden Bradley, also was at the scene. He also hasn’t been charged with any wrongdoing.

The explosive situation comes with Alabama (23-4, 13-1 SEC) ranked second nationally and on track to get a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, with Miller leading the way.

Miller leads the SEC with an 18.7 scoring average and became just the third freshman in school history to score at least 500 points in a season. He also is averaging 8.0 rebounds per game and has made a team-high 82 3-pointers.

Miller is expected to declare for the NBA draft following the season. He is a projected as a probable top five overall pick.

Harris, a mother to a five-year-old son, was visiting her cousin and boyfriend in Tuscaloosa when she was shot and killed in the early hours of January 15. 

‘She has a 5-year-old son that is still waiting for his mother to come home,’ DeCarla Heard, Harris’ mother, told reporters. ‘I want justice for my grandson.’