Bama Central

Nate Oats Says Brandon Miller's Patdown Pregame Intro Won't Happen Again

The Alabama head coach opened his postgame press conference after the Arkansas win to clarify the action is inappropriate.

Katie Windham

In this story:

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Each game when the starting lineup is introduced, Alabama basketball’s starters have a different handshake or move they do in the introduction line. 

All season, freshman forward Brandon Miller's has been a patdown performed by walk-on senior Adam Cottrell. 

Prior to Saturday afternoon’s game against Arkansas at Coleman Coliseum, it did not draw any extra attention. However, this time it set social media ablaze.

In light of all the news that has come out this week regarding Miller's presence at the fatal shooting of Jamea Harris, it prompted to Alabama head coach Nate Oats to open his postgame press conference with a statement that it was not deemed appropriate and won't happen again.

"I think that's something that's been going on all year," Oats said. "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."

As shown in the video, Miller got by far the loudest applause of any player during introductions. It was the first home game since Miller's involvement in the case became public from the preliminary bond hearing for Darius Miles and Michael Davis. His lawyer released a statement Wednesday to "provide additional facts on Brandon's behalf in response to misstatements in reporting."

In the 86-83 win over Arkansas, Miller led Alabama in scoring with 24 points and has scored 20+ points in three straight games. 

Alabama has two games remaining in the regular season: a home game against Auburn on Wednesday, and the season finale at Texas A&M next Saturday.

No Alabama players were made available for postgame media. Oats only took questions about the game.

See also: 

No. 2 Alabama Stays Perfect at Home with Strong Second Half over Arkansas

Has Rocky Week Altered Alabama's Bracket Status? All Things CW

2023 Basketball Prospect Kris Parker to Announce Decision March 3

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Katie Windham
KATIE WINDHAM

Katie Windham is the assistant editor for BamaCentral, primarily covering football, basketball gymnastics and softball. She is a two-time graduate of the University of Alabama and has covered a variety of Crimson Tide athletics since 2019 for outlets like The Tuscaloosa News, The Crimson White and the Associated Press before joining BamaCentral full time in 2021. Windham has covered College Football Playoff games, the Women's College World Series, NCAA March Madness, SEC Tournaments and championships in multiple sports. 

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