Brandon Miller's 'pat down introduction' called inappropriate by Nate Oats, coach says it won't happen again
Brandon Miller was criticized for part of his pregame introduction Saturday in light of his connection to the slaying of Jamea Jonae Harris.
During Alabama team introductions before, Miller has a teammate do a “pat down” when his name is called. With recent revelations that Miller transported the gun that was used in the fatal shooting of Harris, there was widespread social media criticism of the pat down introduction Saturday before tipoff against Arkansas. Miller is being treated as a witness in the case and has not been charged. He has remained eligible for Alabama basketball.
There is nothing wrong with this ovation imo he is the best player on the team.
The pat down during the intro is a bad look.
— Jake Crain (@JakeCrain_) February 25, 2023
I realize that Brandon Miller has done the "pat down" all year in intros but yeah, time to put the X-nay on it considering the circumstances. https://t.co/qJYyCJObOJ
— Jim Weber (@JimMWeber) February 25, 2023
If you’re Brandon Miller you’ve gotta think about at least ditching the security pat down intro, no? pic.twitter.com/ChpSSnnwfR
— Patrick (@patrickkleary) February 25, 2023
This is honestly baffling: Brandon Miller gets a pat down by a walk-on in the introductions.
You've spent five days as the biggest and most controversial story in sports, and then this happens? There is no more benefit of the doubt.
I cannot believe this is real. https://t.co/sGwMOV6STs
— Rob Dauster (@RobDauster) February 25, 2023
Doesn't really matter how long Alabama's been doing this or why. Given the situation, maybe drop the "patdown" player intro for Brandon Miller. Good grief, guys. https://t.co/TRTWM6I7Sj
— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_ATH) February 25, 2023
After the Crimson Tide’s win over Arkansas, Nate Oats told reporters that Miller will not do the pat down intro for the rest of the year. Per AL.com’s Mike Rodak, Oats said that he was not previously aware of player introductions, but the pat-down has been addressed.
“Regardless it’s not appropriate. It’s been addressed. … I can assure you it will not happen again for the remainder of the year.”
— Mike Rodak (@mikerodak) February 25, 2023
Miller was Alabama’s leading scorer with 24 points in the 86-83 win over the Razorbacks.
