New NBA star involved in murder?

Even the mascot! Hornets fans horrified by draft pick

Dominik Schätzle

10 hrs ago

Brandon Miller is set to become a league superstar as the second pick in the NBA draft. However, an incident in January not only caused skepticism among the fans of his new team.

The boos are unmistakable – at the greatest moment of Brandon Miller’s career.

The 20-year-old is considered one of the most talented players in US basketball. In terms of sport, a world career could lie ahead of him. Consequently, the Charlotte Hornets chose the small forward in the NBA draft as the second pick.

Actually a reason for cheering for the fans.

Miller near the crime scene

But when NBA commissioner Adam Silver announced the choice of the Hornets on Thursday evening (local time) in New York, it caused many supporters of the team to feel uneasy.

The fact that Miller is so controversial has to do with an incident in his past that many have not sufficiently dealt with.

Evidence shows that Miller wasn’t just at the scene of an alleged murder earlier this year – he is said to have transported the murder weapon.

However, the question of what exactly happened on the evening of January 15, 2023 is the subject of ongoing investigations. A murder trial is underway against Miller’s former teammate on the University of Alabama basketball team, Darius Miles, and his alleged accomplices.

They are said to have shot three people after an argument. 23-year-old Jamea Harris, who leaves a five-year-old son, was killed.

The fact that basketball star Brandon Miller had anything to do with the incident only became public knowledge weeks later.

Only at a court hearing in February did it emerge that Miller had transported the murder weapon that night. His teammate Miles is said to have texted him during the argument. In this he asked him to bring his gun.

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Miller’s case caused an outcry in the United States

Miller had not previously been to the scene. When he got there, the gun was actually in his car. Miller’s attorneys claim he was on his way to pick up his teammate and his friend at the time of the news.

He neither read the message in time nor knew that Miles’ gun was in the car. When Miller arrived by car, Miles reportedly got the gun and handed it to his friend. Then the fatal shots are said to have fallen.

According to investigators, Miller was a cooperative witness and was not charged with a crime in connection with the crime. His version that he was not actively involved and did not even touch the gun is also said to match video footage police viewed.

Nevertheless, Miller’s case caused a great outcry in the United States.

The college star was back on the field in an official league game just days after the fatal incident. Journalist Will Leitch, in an op-ed for Intelligencer, lamented that “it’s appalling the extent to which the University of Alabama has tried to normalize what’s happening here just because the school’s basketball team is so good.”

“It’s like his life just goes on”

Jamea Harris’ parents also spoke up. Alabama’s handling of Miller’s situation was “terrible,” her mother told USA Today. “It’s just unimaginable, and it’s like his life just goes on.”

In terms of sport, things continued successfully for Miller. Business as usual.

He played an outstanding season, was named Southeastern Conference (SEC) Player of the Year. He was also named SEC Finals MVP after winning the title with the Alabama Crimson Tide.

In terms of sport, things went very well for Brandon Miller

But doubts remained off the pitch, and Miller felt it again and again. At press conferences, reporters were banned from asking questions about the events surrounding Jamea Harris’ death. Opposing fans chanted, “Lock him up!” during some games.

Alabama basketball coach Nate Oats justified the non-suspension by saying that Miller was simply “in the wrong place at the wrong time.” He later apologized for the comment but maintained that his player should not be penalized.

The university wanted to minimize the noise surrounding their superstar, who was one of the most sought-after players in the draft.

Most experts saw him as one of the first picks. But some were also anticipating that Miller could be passed by teams due to the events in January.

Miller talks about incident

According to information from Alabama’s news portal al.com, the teams that auditioned the 20-year-old before the draft didn’t just want to see his qualities on the field. They were also interested in the January 15 incident. “It’s still being asked about,” Miller said.

During the NBA Draft Combine, he told reporters, “The message I gave them is just that I’ve learned a lesson,” Miller said. “You always have to be aware of your surroundings and know what you are surrounded by. I feel like that night could have changed my career in less than a heartbeat.”

Michael Jordan is said to have wished for Brandon Miller

But the doubts remain – even among the fans of the Hornets. Boos were heard at the draft party in Charlotte. Even at a watch party organized by fans, some loudly articulated their displeasure. But there were also cheers when the election was announced.

The officials of the franchise should now wish that peace would come to Miller as a person.

In terms of sport, they want him to lead the Hornets to long-term success alongside All-Star LaMelo Ball.

Miller has the blessing of current owner Michael Jordan. The basketball legend met him personally at the audition – and was obviously convinced of his talent.

2023-06-24 09:38:17
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