Nate Oats Takes Blame for Brandon Miller's "Clear for Takeoff" Celebration
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Social media went bananas on Saturday afternoon after a video went viral of walk-on Adam Cottrell "patting down" Alabama freshman guard Brandon Miller during pregame introductions.
It was not taken well in light of the death of Jamea Harris on the early morning of Jan. 15. Miller's former teammate, Darius Miles, has been charged with capital murder and is awaiting trial.
"I think that's something that's been going on all year," Oats said Saturday. "I don't watch our introductions. I'm not involved with them. I'm drawing up plays during that time. […] Regardless, it's not appropriate. It's been addressed, and I can assure you definitely will not happen again."
During Oats' media availability Tuesday, the first question asked was about how it has been addressed since.
This time, Oats put the blame on himself.
"That situation is on me," Oats said. "We addressed it as a team. As soon as I brought it up to them, they immediately understood how it can be interpreted. And we all felt awful about it. They explained to me that it's like when TSA checks you before you get on a plane — and now, Brandon's cleared for takeoff. We as the adults in the room should have been more sensitive to how it could've been interpreted. I dropped the ball. That's it. I dropped the ball on it. We've addressed it and I assure you it won't happen again."
Time will tell to see what Cottrell and Miller's new pregame handshake will be.
We'll find out soon, as the Crimson Tide takes on Auburn for a chance at clinching the SEC regular season title on Wednesday night.
See Also:
Brandon Miller Not Named SEC Freshman of the Week Despite 65-Point Week
Alabama Basketball May Play Like a No. 1 Team, But Must Learn How to Act Like One: All Things CW
Alabama Basketball Holds at No. 2 in Latest AP Top 25, Coaches Poll
