Why does Brandon Miller have a security guard? Alabama star subject of ‘death threats’ in March Madness
Brandon Miller #BrandonMiller
Alabama is the odds-on national championship favorite entering the Sweet 16, and the Crimson Tide wouldn’t be where they are without star freshman Brandon Miller.
The SEC Player of the Year is averaging 19.1 points and 8.2 rebounds through the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament.
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Numbers, of course, don’t tell the full story of his season. Miller was in the middle of a firestorm in February after it was alleged in court testimony that he brought a gun to the scene of a January homicide in Tuscaloosa. Miller’s former teammate Darius Miles and another man were charged with capital murder in the shooting death of Jamea Jonae Harris.
Miller was not charged and Alabama did not suspend him, but the case has followed him into March Madness, where he has an armed security guard following him closely.
MORE: Nick Saban appears to call out Nate Oats after dismissing football player
Here’s what you need to know about why Miller is taking extra precautions.
Why does Brandon Miller have a security guard?
After Miller was spotted walking with armed security in the days before the NCAA Tournament, Alabama coach Nate Oats said threats made additional protection necessary.
“If you guys saw some of what I’ve seen sent his way, I think you would understand why that’s the case,” Oats told reporters, adding, “Some of the messages from people that can sit behind fake email addresses, but who knows whether they’re real or not.”
Miller has been the subject of taunts at road games since the February revelations.
When asked about the additional security, Miller told reporters, “I always travel with security to all the games. That’s all I’m going to say on that.”
MORE: Why is Brandon Miller playing in March Madness?
Miller was fortunate enough to start the NCAA Tournament in a friendly environment, as Alabama earned the No. 1 overall seed and played in front of many Tide fans in Birmingham, Ala.
Alabama will be playing up the road in Louisville, Ky., this weekend, with hopes of being Final Four-bound when they head back home.
Why wasn’t Brandon Miller charged in the Alabama murder case?
Despite texts indicating that Miles asked for Miller to bring a gun to the scene of the killing, Alabama prosecutors have said that Miller will not be charged.
Paula Whaley, Tuscaloosa chief deputy district attorney, told AL.com there was “nothing we could charge [Miller] with.” Intent must be proven, and prosecutors did not see evidence of intent behind Miller’s actions.
MORE: Miller comments on Jamea Harris shooting death: ‘Really heartbreaking’
Oats said he was told Miller is a “cooperative witness” and has defended the freshman since the day the allegations surfaced. Oats initially said that Miller was at the wrong place at the wrong time, comments that drew backlash and eventually an apology from the coach.
Barring new revelations, Miller won’t be charged in connection with the killing. That doesn’t mean NBA teams won’t try to learn as much as possible about his involvement before the draft in June.