NYT stands by report Alabama’s Kai Spears was present at fatal January shooting despite denials

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The New York Times is standing by its report that a fourth Alabama men’s basketball player, Kai Spears, was present the night 23-year-old Jamea Jonae Harris was shot and killed near the university’s campus on Jan. 15, despite denials from Spears and the university. 

Video surveillance reviewed by the Times allegedly showed Spears, a freshman walk-on, in a car with SEC player and newcomer of the year Brandon Miller.

Miller was previously linked to the January shooting after police testimony alleged that he transported former teammate Darius Miles’ gun to the scene that was used in the shooting. 

Alabama forward Brandon Miller drives into the lane during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Missouri in the semifinals of the Southeastern Conference Tournament, Saturday, March 11, 2023, in Nashville, Tennessee. (AP Photo/John Amis)

While Miles has since been charged with capital murder, Miller faces no charges. His attorney said the freshman standout was unaware at the time that he was in possession of the firearm. 

ALABAMA BASKETBALL PLAYER STRONGLY DENIES BEING AT THE SCENE OF DEADLY SHOOTING: '100% INACCURATE'

Another freshman player, Jaden Bradley, was also present at the time of the shooting, police said.

According to the report, Spears was in Miller’s vehicle which had been struck by two stray bullets. Neither player was injured. 

When asked about the report on Wednesday, Spears told the newspaper, "I’m sorry, I’m not going to be able to speak about that," but on Thursday, he issued a statement to his Instagram calling the report "100% inaccurate."

"I have one thing to say – the report in the New York