Skip to main content

Nate Oats Releases Statement Clarifying His Comments Related to Darius Miles Case

Oats said he spoke poorly during Tuesday's press conference about the case.
  • Author:
  • Updated:
    Original:

Alabama men's basketball head coach Nate Oats released a statement related to earlier comments about the Darius Miles case:

“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.

“We were informed by law enforcement of other student-athletes being in the vicinity, and law enforcement has repeatedly told us that no other student-athletes were suspects—they were witnesses only. Our understanding is that they have all been fully truthful and cooperative.

“In no way did I intend to downplay the seriousness of this situation or the tragedy of that night. My prayers continue to go out to Jamea Harris’s family.”

When Oats met with the media during Tuesday's press conference, he was asked about freshman player Brandon Miller's car being involved in the case and how he would respond if NBA scouts were to inquire about it.

"We've known about the situation. We've been full cooperating with the operation the entire time. Whole situation is sad. We closed practice with prayer for the situation today knowing that we had to travel today.

"We knew about that. Can't control everything anybody does outside of practice. Nobody knew that was gonna happen. College kids are out. Brandon isn't in any type of trouble, nor is he in any trouble in this case. Wrong spot at the wrong time. I’m sure NBA scouts will ask."

See also:

Brandon Miller 'Not in any Type of Trouble' in Darius Miles Case

Oats, No. 2 Alabama Focused on the Right Here, Right Now

Is Massive Home-Court Advantage Just an Alabama Thing? All Things CW