BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Alabama has arrived in Birmingham for its first-round NCAA Tournament matchup towards Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, which comes with a brand new set of safety precautions and routines.
One of the additions is a bodyguard for Brandon Miller who stood off to the aspect throughout his media availability at Legacy Arena.
“I really feel like we at all times journey with safety,” Brandon Miller mentioned. “That’s all I’m going to say on that.”
Miller has lived within the highlight since his title was included in a court docket listening to of the capital homicide case that features former teammate Darius Miles and his pal Michael Davis. While he hasn’t been suspended by the crew or has confronted any self-discipline from UA, he is heard a fair proportion of criticism from the media and from opposing followers to complete the season.
From followers chanting “Brandon Killer” to “lock him up,” his involvement within the homicide of Jamea Harris has seen a continuing rise in an off-court response which prompted the necessity for additional safety based on Alabama head coach Nate Oats.
“If you guys noticed what I’ve seen despatched his method,” Oats mentioned. “I believe you may perceive why that is the case. I do not wish to get into all of that. The total state of affairs as you already know is a heartbreaking state of affairs on all accounts. But a few of the messages are from folks that may sit behind faux e-mail addresses however who is aware of whether or not he is actual or not. It’s one thing that no one would ever need.
“Nobody would ever need their son, I deal with my gamers like my sons — I do not has a son, I’ve three daughters — I put myself in his dad and mom’ footwear. Our administration has seen what I’ve seen, and it’s applicable. It’s nothing a school child ought to should undergo.”
With doubtlessly two video games in Birmingham, the noise on the court docket might sound a bit quieter, however questions concerning if Miller ought to nonetheless be with the crew have solely grown since January. Despite the noise, the freshman continues to depend on his teammates to assist him handle the circumstances off the court docket.
“Like I mentioned earlier than, I simply lean on my teammates, actually. They are right here for me like a household away from residence,” Miller mentioned “… We know our struggles on and off the court docket, we all know our strengths on and off the court docket. Just understanding that performs an enormous half in our success on the court docket.”
