Nate Oats explains Alabama's reasoning for playing embattled star Brandon Miller

Nate Oats had to answer of myriad of questions regarding Brandon Miller‘s status following Alabama‘s victory over South Carolina on Wednesday.

After Miller was linked via police testimony to last month’s shooting involving Darius Miles, Oats made some hollow comments on the situation that rubbed many the wrong way. The Crimson Tide decided to keep their star forward in the lineup as the situation continues to play out, which many had an opinion on, and was something Oats answered for after Wednesday’s victory.

“As (Alabama Athletic Director) Greg [Byrne] said earlier, we make decisions based on available facts,” stated Oats. “That’s what we did here.”

Moreover, Miller allegedly received texts from Miles to bring the gun used in last month’s shooting. Gamecocks faithful booed Miller when he touched the ball on Wednesday, at one point, changed “guilty” toward him. Then, when he stepped to the free throw line, they started chanting “Lock him up.”

Alas, Miller ironically had a career night on Wednesday, amassing 41 points in an overtime win. Oats’ latest comments make it seem like he’ll have plenty of time to build on it, as well.

The news has taken the college basketball world by storm, but Nate Oats and the powers at Alabama are taking it one day at a time regarding Brandon Miller.

Nate Oats: ‘I sincerely apologize’ for initial comments on Brandon Miller situation

Continuing, Nate Oats addressed his comments regarding police testimony linking Brandon Miller to last month’s shooting involving Darius Miles. He issued an apology and acknowledged his word choice.

Oats met with reporters immediately after practice Tuesday, just as news was breaking about a detective’s testimony that alleged Miles texted Miller to bring the gun to the scene of the shooting. During his answer, Oats said Miller was in the “wrong spot [at the] wrong time,” and he later issued a statement clarifying what he said.

Wednesday, he apologized for speaking without knowing all the details of the testimony

“Before we get into the game, I just want to address yesterday’s press conference and my response to the Brandon Miller question,” Oats said. “I’m not here to make excuses. I want to make it clear I didn’t have the details from the hearing that morning since I was coming straight from practice. I used a poor choice of words making it appear like I wasn’t taking this tragic situation seriously, which we have throughout the course of it. I sincerely apologize for that.

“I know Greg [Byrne] shared some information earlier today on the situation. I don’t really have anything more to add other than what he shared.”

Oats’ apology came after a career performance from Miller. He dropped 41 points — including the basket to send the game to overtime and the game-winning layup with 0.9 seconds left — to propel Alabama past South Carolina.

On3’s Sam Gillenwater contributed to this article.