Dick Vitale blasts Alabama head coach Nate Oats about comments, handling of superstar Brandon Miller

Alabama has been the story of college basketball over the past day and not because of their play on the court. Star forward Brandon Miller has seen his name mentioned in a capital murder case involving former teammate Darius Miles. Even so, Miller has not been charged with anything and is scheduled to play on Wednesday night.

Reactions have been flooding in and ESPN’s Dick Vitale was the latest. He blasted head coach Nate Oats for the comments made on Wednesday before questioning why Miller will be available against South Carolina. Usually a proponent of programs in the sport, Vitale felt the need to call out Alabama.

“I was SHOCKED by the comments of @AlabamaMBB Nate Oats yesterday but I am doubly SHOCKED that superstar Brandon Miller is scheduled to play tonight,” Vitale said. “Isn’t providing a gun to a teammate that was used in a murder a serious offense?”

There has been an explanation as to why Miller was not charged by legal experts via AL.com. However, there are still discussions, such as the one provided by Vitale, as to why Miller is able to play basketball.

At the time of posting, Miller will suit up for Alabama against South Carolina. Tip-off is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET in Columbia, where there will be plenty to talk about.

Nate Oats speaks to reporters after Brandon Miller information released

Oats met with reporters Tuesday morning and said the program knew what happened. He also said Miller hasn’t been in trouble, adding he was in the “wrong spot at the wrong time” the night of the shooting.

“We’ve known the situation since [it happened],” Oats said. “We’ve been fully cooperating with law enforcement the entire time. The whole situation is sad. The team closed practice with a prayer for the situation today, knowing that we had this trial today. We think of Jamea and her family, Kaine. Really think about her son, Kaine, that was left behind. It’s sad.

“We knew about that. Can’t control everything anybody does outside of practice. Nobody knew that was going to happen. College kids are out. Brandon hasn’t been in any type of trouble nor is he in any type of trouble in this case. Wrong spot at the wrong time.”

Comments clarified from Alabama head coach

Oats clarified his comments late on Tuesday after facing backlash. He called them “unfortunate” and something he wished were worded better. The statement was ended by sending out thoughts and prayers to the family of the victim, Jamea Harris.

“I thought it was important for me to clarify the unfortunate remarks I made earlier,” the statement read. “This entire time I’ve tried to be thoughtful in my words relative to this tragic incident, and my statements came across poorly.

“We were informed by law enforcement of other student-athletes being in the vicinity, and law enforcement has repeatedly told us that no other student-athletes were suspects—they were witnesses only. Our understanding is that they have all been fully truthful and cooperative.

“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’s family.”