Brandon Miller, the #2 overall pick in the most recent NBA draft by the Charlotte Hornets, used to star at the University of Alabama. He most recently testified in the capital murder trial of defendant Michael Lynn Davis. Our testimony came in the wake of a horrific incident on January 14, 2023. Miller was fired on just a few feet away during a shooting in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. His story fills in the gaps about what had happened before the shots were fired. It implicates his former Alabama teammate, Darius Miles, and another person, not identified publicly named Daevin.
On the evening of January 14th, Miller headed to The Strip in his souped-up Dodge Charger. This vibrant neighborhood in Tuscaloosa quickly became a popular nightlife destination. Earlier that evening, he had been with Miles, Davis, and fellow basketball player Jaden Bradley at an apartment on campus. A text from Miles prompted him to pick up the group at a local venue called Twelve25. When Miller arrived, he parked his convoy vehicle directly behind Bradley’s Dodge Challenger. Soon enough, he made a quick exit as the line wrapped around the outdoor venue.
As it turned out, Miller’s decision to move on from Twelve25 was a lucky break. He shared how he did not know that a violent and bloody armed confrontation was about to take place. In that moment on Grace Street, he didn’t engage Miles or Davis. Due to the incident, they shot into his car, just missing him.
In his testimony, Miller shared snippets of conversation that suggested the kind of tension that was building that night. He remembered Miles saying that someone was “fronting” and needed his strap. Miller understood this to mean that there was a suggestion that an individual was threatening to Miles or trying to intimidate him.
That night, chaos erupted in every direction around Miller. What he really cared about, he showed by pulling over and walking away from an active scene, was his car. He shared the physical fear and anxiety that consumed him as a black man in those situations.
“We almost just got killed.” – Brandon Miller
Miller’s role in the incident has been a lightning rod for media coverage and criticism. The hype surrounding the rookie became even louder when, earlier this season, the Charlotte Hornets made him the No. 2 overall pick in the NBA draft. His ability to make the jump from NCAA hoops to the pro game bodes extremely well. It has ignited a controversial firestorm since the unfortunate events that led to January’s shooting.
The nature of that night has led to conversations about both player safety and the accountability of college aged athletes. Miller’s testimony highlights just how quickly things can ramp up and create life-or-death situations.
The trial has raised questions regarding the actions of those involved and their implications for future conduct among athletes. Legal experts think Miller’s testimony will have a huge impact on the outcome of the trial. Perhaps more importantly, it could influence the national debate over gun violence in communities with universities.
As the trial continues, millions are closely watching the events transpire. Fans can’t wait to see what effect these changes will have on Miller’s developing career as he rises expectations of the early NBA.
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