Nate Oats, Alabama media relations deflect question about reaching out to Jamea Harris' family

Alabama men’s basketball head coach Nate Oats did not cover himself in glory with his “wrong place, wrong time” comments regarding Brandon Miller’s apparent involvement in the alleged murder of Jamea Harris. And after the Crimson Tide beat Arkansas on Saturday, it appears the university wants to shut down discussion of the murder case that several men’s basketball players have become central to.

When a reporter asked Oats about comments from Jamea Harris’ step father that Oats hadn’t reached out to the family, an Alabama athletic media relations staff member cut them off, according to Chase Goodbeard of the Tuscaloosa News. Goodbeard added that the staffer told reporters to ask questions about the game, only.

Oats still responded to the question, but fell short of providing an answer.

“I apologize for my previous comments this week. We understand the severity of it all. I’m following the administration’s lead on this,” Oats said according to Mike Rodak of AL.com. “… I’m going to talk about the game only, is what they want.”

Miller has continued to play for Alabama since the Jan. 15 shooting and stayed in the lineup for the two games since the public revelation that he was not only present at the scene of the shooting, but had brought the eventual murder weapon there, according to police testimony. Miller’s attorneys subsequently released a statement that Miller was unaware of the gun in his car, which belonged to Miles, and that the shooting started moments after he arrived at the scene.

Nate Oats addresses pregame introduction from Brandon Miller

Another wrinkle to the Brandon Miller situation came to light on Saturday. Alabama was playing host to Arkansas on Saturday, with Miller being announced as a starter during the pregame introductions. A pat down of the Alabama star occurred and has once again gained national attention amid the murder of Jamea Harris.

Oats addressed the situation during his postgame press conference. Despite not personally being involved with pregame introductions, Oats says the move has been put to an end. Obviously not being the best look for everyone involved, Oats admitted it’s not an “appropriate” move from Miller and walk on Adam Cottrell.

“I think that’s something that’s been going on all year,” Oats said. “I’m not involved, I’m not paying attention … regardless, it’s not appropriate, it’s been addressed and I can assure you it will not happen again the remainder of this year.”