Alabama's Nate Oats clarifies remark about star player’s alleged involvement in deadly shooting after backlash

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Alabama men’s basketball coach Nate Oats has clarified his comments on star freshman Brandon Miller’s alleged involvement in a fatal shooting earlier this year after facing fierce backlash for saying the young player was in the "wrong spot at the wrong time."

Oats, who has been head coach of the Crimson Tide men’s team since 2019, was asked about Miller’s involvement in the deadly shooting of Jamea Harris near the university’s campus in January during a press conference on Tuesday after police testimony revealed the freshman standout allegedly provided the gun used in the killing. 

Brandon Miller, #24 of the Alabama Crimson Tide, looks for a lane during the first half against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Coleman Coliseum on Jan. 31, 2023 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Brandon Sumrall/Getty Images)

"We know about that," he said in response to questions about Miller. "Can’t control everything everybody 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."

ALABAMA BASKETBALL STAR BRANDON MILLER PROVIDED GUN USED IN SHOOTING DEATH OF YOUNG WOMAN, POLICE SAY

The comments prompted harsh criticism on social media and later that night, Oats released a statement "clarifying" his remarks. 

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

Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nate Oats walks off the court at halftime