ESPN’s Jay Bilas defends Alabama’s handling of Brandon Miller situation amid shooting link

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As the Alabama Crimson Tide prepared for the Arkansas Razorbacks Saturday afternoon in Tuscaloosa, the program's decision to allow star freshman Brandon Miller to play was a major topic of debate. 

On Wednesday, Miller was allowed to play against South Carolina one day after police testimony connected him to the January shooting death of Jamea Harris. Miller allegedly transported former teammate Darius Miles’ gun that police say was used in the killing.

Head coach Nate Oats gives coaching advice to Brandon Miller (24) of the Alabama Crimson Tide during a timeout against the LSU Tigers at Coleman Coliseum Jan. 14, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala.  (Brandon Sumrall/Getty Images)

Many observers have questioned whether Miller should be allowed to suit up given those allegations. 

ALABAMA’S NATE OATS DEFENDS PLAYING BRANDON MILLER AMID LINK TO DEADLY SHOOTING: ‘WE’VE DONE THE RIGHT THING’

Saturday morning during "College Gameday," ESPN college basketball analyst Jay Bilas defended Alabama’s handling of the situation. 

"Brandon Miller has rights, and I believe that Alabama has a duty to protect those rights, or at least not compromise those rights," Bilas said. "They know him better than we do. He has cooperated fully, according to his attorney, with authorities.

"And, to me, I think Alabama has gone through this process and handled it appropriately. Now, reasonable minds can differ with that. Maybe one school might handle this differently, but I have no quarrel with the way Alabama handled it." 

ESPN's Jay Bilas during a game between the North Carolina Tar Heels and the Michigan Wolverines at Spectrum Center Dec. 21, 2022, in Charlotte,