Month: February 2023

Nate Oats on Brandon Miller’s pregame ‘pat-down’ vs Arkansas: ‘Not appropriate’

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By: @OOSSports

2/26/23

Nate Oats on Brandon Miller’s pregame ‘pat-down’: ‘Not appropriate’

Alabama men’s basketball coach Nate Oats, who has made an ass out of himself all week with his insensitive comments, finally did something half moral, saying that freshman forward Brandon Miller’s pregame introduction routine of being touched down by a walk-on before proceeding to mid court was ‘not appropriate’ after taking down Arkansas by 3 at home yesterday.

“I don’t watch our introductions, I’m not involved with them, I’m drawing up plays during that time,” Oats stated postgame.

“Regardless, it’s not appropriate. It’s been addressed and I can assure you it definitely will not happen again for the remainder of this year.” he went on to say.

Miller, who has done the same pregame pat-down for each game this season, resumed the process after Tuscaloosa Detective Branden Culpepper testified Tuesday that Miller brought now-former teammate Darius Miles’ gun to him the night of the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Jamea Jonae Harris, after Miles texted and urged him to do so.

Culpepper’s evidence was given during a preliminary hearing for Miles and Michael Lynn Davis, who are charged with capital murder for the death of Harris. Miles and Michael Lynn Davis are accused of killing Harris. According to the investigators, Miles acknowledged to delivering the pistol that was used in the shooting that resulted in a fatality, but Davis was the one who fired the firearm. Miles has subsequently been removed from the Crimson Tide program.

Miller has not been accused of committing a crime, and the Chief Deputy District Attorney in Tuscaloosa, Paula Whitley, stated on Tuesday that there is “nothing we could prosecute [Miller] with.” Oats and the investigators have reported that Miller has been cooperative with the police.

When Alabama’s sports information director advised the media to ask questions just concerning the Alabama-Arkansas game, Oats did react to the one non game question that was asked of him. The question was regarding whether or not he had reached out to the family of Harris at any point in time.

“Listen, to address it a little bit,” Oats said. “I apologize for my previous comments this week. We understand the severity of it all, but I’m following the administration’s lead on everything here, so we’re going to talk about the game is what they would like for me to talk about.”

On Saturday, Miller had a team-high 24 points and six rebounds and was applauded everytime he did something for the Crimson Tide. This is in stark contrast to Miller’s treatment on the road against South Carolina on Wednesday night.

Miller’s week was brought up later in Oats’ postgame news conference during a question regarding the game,

“He’s one of the most mentally, if not the most mentally tough kid I’ve ever coached in my life and I’ve been coaching for a while,” Oats said. “While he completely understands the situation’s tragic and he takes it very seriously and he’s been cooperating the whole time, he’s also done a great job being able to focus on practices, games and just getting this laser focus where he’s dialed in to where his feet are at.”

Three Potential Second-Year NFL Breakout Players

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By: @OOSSports

2/25/23

Three Potential Second-Year NFL Breakout Players

This past season saw a number of impressive displays from members of the 2022 NFL rookie class; however, it may take a few players a little longer to get familiarized with the speed of the game in the NFL. With that being said, I believe these three second-year guys will break out in 2023.

WR Jameson Williams, Detroit Lions:

The Lions were careful with Williams throughout his rookie season because he was dealing with an ACL injury he tore in the national championship game his final year at Alabama. Despite playing a diminished role, he was still capable of displaying his potential, building excitement for what will likely be his first complete NFL season in 2023.

CB Marcus Jones, New England Patriots

The movement skills which Jones possesses give the DB the tools necessary to mirror anyone in coverage, giving him the ability to lock down opposing receivers, even if they’re positioned in the slot. As a rookie, he gave up only an 83.7 passer rating. Jones has a bright future with the Patriots.

TE Jake Ferguson, Dallas Cowboys

Dalton Schultz is an upcoming free agent who Dallas may opt to let go in order to cut expenses. Ferguson may make the Cowboys feel better about their decision. Ferguson showed off his talent in limited play, catching 20 of the 23 receptions thrown his way for 208 yards and two touchdowns. He played 480 snaps in all, largely as a run blocker, but his effort as a receiver was remarkable. The Cowboys might easily project that into a very successful season in 2023.

76ers Star James Harden Helps Paralyzed Michigan State Shooting Victim

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2/23/23

By: @OOSSports

76ers Star James Harden Helps Paralyzed Michigan State Shooting Victim.

After hearing that one of his biggest followers had been paralyzed in the terrible shooting at Michigan State a few weeks ago, Philadelphia 76ers star James Harden acted swiftly to show his support.

John Hao, one of the people shot at Michigan State who was also left paralyzed from the waist down, is still in a Michigan hospital where he is healing.

Harden FaceTimed Hao and sent the 20-year-old student a variety of different pairs of sneakers, including some worn in a game, in an effort to inspire and “brighten John’s day, even if it was just for one minute.”

“Everything will work itself out, be strong,” Harden said to Hao. “You’re alright. You’ll be alright. I promise you are … I love when you’re smiling, alright? I’m with you. I know it’s tough right now but you have to stay physically strong, you know what I mean? You gotta just think positive things and keep pushing and keep fighting.”

Three students were killed and five others were critically injured, including Hao, when a single shooter allegedly opened fire at two locations on Michigan State’s campus earlier this month. Later that same evening, the alleged shooter committed suicide. It happened to be the 67th mass shooting in the United States this year alone; which lead MSU leadership to cancel classes in wake of this tragedy.

Tom Izzo, the head basketball coach at Michigan State almost three decades, spoke at a candlelight vigil a few days later. Izzo, who has been with the program for 28 years now, recently watched his daughter receive her degree. His son Steven, a basketball walk-on, was on campus the night of the massacre.

Visibly upset and in distraught, Izzo told the crowd,

“Steven was at one of the buildings two nights ago about 10 minutes after things happened,” Izzo said. “So sometimes we don’t understand because we haven’t been through it. That little moment brought me a little closer to understanding … Our hearts are heavy. Our loss has been great. Our lives have been permanently changed. With a shared commitment to help each other and a promise to remember those we have lost, we will find joy again.”

At the vigil, Izzo also called for gun regulation, as have many other athletes in recent years.

“I think everybody spoke that something has to be done in our society,” Izzo stated. “Gun violence is insane right now. We all have a platform. Some are small, some are high. But we all have a platform. I hope each and every one of you use your platform to help others so other families don’t have to go through what these families are going through right now.”

Even though Hao was left crippled and still has a long way to go before he can fully recover, the gesture that Harden made was very much appreciated by him and his family, during what has otherwise been an extremely challenging time for them and their community.

Update on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Wrist Sprain

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By: OOSSports

2/21/23

Update on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Wrist Sprain

Giannis Antetokounmpo suffered a damaged ligament in his right wrist, and he will seek treatment with the goal of returning to the lineup once the discomfort decreases, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski on Monday night.

After playing in the NBA All-Star Game in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Antetokounmpo was tested in New York on Monday.

Antetokounmpo left the lineup after scoring two points for Team Giannis in their 184-175 victory over Team LeBron on Sunday night.