Alabama’s Nate Oats Addresses Controversial Pregame Gesture Involving Brandon Miller

Controversy continues to surround No. 2 Alabama in the aftermath of Tuesday’s police allegations that Crimson Tide forward Brandon Miller provided former teammate Darius Miles with a gun used to murder Jamea Harris in Tuscaloosa on Jan. 15.

The situation has grown even more complex as Alabama has continued to play Miller, who Tuscaloosa chief deputy D.A. Paula Whitley said police could not charge with a crime. On Wednesday, South Carolina fans serenaded Miller with boos chants of “lock him up” during the Crimson Tide’s 78–76 overtime win.

Saturday afternoon brought another firestorm as Miller’s pregame introduction at Coleman Coliseum appeared to involve a simulated pat down. Alabama went on to defeat Arkansas 86–83, and after the game Crimson Tide coach Nate Oats denounced the gesture.

“I don’t watch our introductions. I’m not involved with them… Regardless, it’s not appropriate,” Oats said. “It’s been addressed and I can assure you it definitely will not happen again the remainder of this year.”

Oats previously took heat for his defense of Miller in the aftermath of the testimony, during which he appeared to downplay the allegations as a case of Miller being in the "wrong spot at the wrong time."