What did Alabama’s controversial star Brandon Miller say about his role in the murder of Jamea Harris?
Alabama’s star reflected on the tragic events of last season and the manner in which he hopes to move forward as he looks toward a future career in the NBA.


One of the top prospects in the upcoming NBA Draft, the Alabama product will likely have a tough time shedding the negative press that surrounds him, after his controversial involvement in a terrible tragedy which saw a young mother lose her life.
Brandon Miller discusses the lesson he learned
Speaking at the NBA’s Draft Combine, Alabama star Brandon Miller faced a number of questions about his role in the disturbing events that led to the shooting death of a young woman last season. As he spoke with the press on Wednesday in Chicago, the Crimson Tide’s talisman explained that he’s been telling teams that the terrible situation was “a lesson learned,” while repeatedly stating that he should have been more aware of his surroundings.
Brandon Miller's message to NBA teams on the gun incident:
— On3 (@On3sports) May 17, 2023
"It's all a lesson learned. You just always have to be aware of your surroundings and what you're surrounded by. I feel like the night could've changed my career in less than a heartbeat."https://t.co/7G7lyB21SL pic.twitter.com/14eHZNhwgq
“The message I’ve presented to them is it’s all a lesson learned. You always have to be aware of your surroundings and know what you’re surrounded by. I feel like the night could’ve changed my career in less than a heartbeat. Always be aware of your surroundings.”
Who is Brandon Miller?
Largely expected to be selected as the No. 2 overall pick by the Charlotte Hornets in the 2023 NBA Draft, Miller is easily considered a top 3 talent following a sensational season at Alabama. Only French star Victor Wembanyama is considered as a step ahead. Yet, talent isn’t what’s being questioned when it comes to Miller, but rather his mentality. Indeed, it’s highly likely that the events which played out on that sad night back in January will a blotch on his reputation for some time to come.
Why are we sure wemby is the first pick? He’s a great player but Brandon Miller is the best prospect in this class. If not for the off the court issues he would easily be the number one pick because on the court he’s the most talented player Am I wrong? What does wemby do better
— whristan (@whristan) May 17, 2023
What was Brandon Miller’s role?
If you missed our previous report, then allow us to explain that on the night of January 15th, Jamea Harris, a 23-year-old mother, was shot and killed. Reports would later indicate that Miller allegedly delivered the gun to then Alabama teammate, Darius Miles, who in turn allowed another man, Michael Davis, to use the gun in the shooting. Miller’s attorney would later release a statement in which explained that his client was unaware that Miles had left the gun in his car.
Parents of Jamea Harris says Alabama has been "godawful" in handling situation involving Brandon Miller
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) February 24, 2023
“It’s just unimaginable, and it’s like his life is just going on. He took a brief pause and it didn’t stop. It’s like, OK, slap on the wrist and go play ball.”
(@USATODAY) pic.twitter.com/5jP0cOvnxZ
To be clear, both Miles and Davis are now facing capital murder charges - Miles has pleaded not guilty - while Miller was not charged with a crime nor was he disciplined by Alabama. The team’s coach, Nate Oats, would later draw the ire of the public after stating that Miller was simply in “the wrong spot at the wrong time,” seemingly ignoring the severity of the situation which saw a young woman lose her life. The situation was also not helped by Miller continuing to use a ‘patdown’ intro before games.
What’s in store for Brandon Miller?
While it remains unclear as to what extent the situation will affect Miller’s future, what is crystal clear is that any team that acquires him, will have to answer a lot of questions about why they were comfortable acquiring a player who was involved in something as terrible, as the murder of a young mother. For the moment, all we can do is watch this space.
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski: "Not only do [NBA teams] not find anything they would consider disqualifying to select Brandon Miller, they are finding a young man who they say is mature, focused, whose character and his habits are actually an asset."
— Blake Byler (@blakebyler45) May 17, 2023