Alabama basketball hit with major loss as Darius Miles gets charged with murder

Tuscaloosa, Alabama - Just when Alabama basketball was beginning to see huge success on the court, the Crimson Tide got hit with arguably the biggest team loss of the season after star player Darius Miles was charged with capital murder.

Alabama men's basketball junior forward Darius Miles has been removed from the Crimson Tide basketball team after being arrested and charged with capital murder.
Alabama men's basketball junior forward Darius Miles has been removed from the Crimson Tide basketball team after being arrested and charged with capital murder.  © JONATHAN BACHMAN / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP

On Sunday, Miles was one of two people arrested and charged with murder in connection with a shooting near campus that left 23-year-old Jamea Harris dead.

Michael Lynn Davis, 20, was the other suspect arrested alongside Miles on murder charges, and both men are being held without bond.

Miles is the only person involved in the incident with a connection to the University of Alabama.

"We were made aware of the recent charge against student-athlete Darius Miles; he has been removed from campus and is no longer a member of the Alabama men's basketball team," the university said in a statement.

The Maryland native was a junior forward on the fourth-ranked Crimson Tide basketball team. Miles' official bio has since been removed from the athletic department's website.

In a video shared on Twitter, the student-athlete is heard emotionally pleading, "I swear I love you more than you can imagine," as he was being arrested by law enforcement.

"We are grieved by the incident that occurred near campus last night and extend our deepest condolences to the victim's family and friends," the university stated.

What's next for Alabama's men's basketball team?

The Crimson Tide will face their biggest test amid the team's off-court issues on Tuesday with a road game against Vanderbilt basketball.
The Crimson Tide will face their biggest test amid the team's off-court issues on Tuesday with a road game against Vanderbilt basketball.  © Brandon Sumrall / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP

The news of Alabama basketball star Darius Miles’ arrest for murder charges quickly drew responses from current and former Crimson Tide players.

"Been searching for the right words but there are none. Absolutely shocked and heartbroken rn. Praying for the victim and her family, for Darius, for my brothers at @AlabamaMBB," former Alabama player Britton Johnson tweeted. "Lot of pain being felt by a lot of people… may the God of all comfort heal these wounds as only He can."

Currently ranked No. 4 in the AP Poll top 25, the Crimson Tide is set to face Vanderbilt on Tuesday in what is expected to be a highly anticipating matchup.

The Commodores are coming off of a high after defeating top-ranked Arkansas over the weekend and will challenge Alabama at home in Nashville.

For the Crimson Tide, Tuesday's game will be a huge mental test for the team and many will look at how well the players can respond after the devastating news about Miles' arrest.

Will the Crimson Tide be able to focus on the court and earn another big road win, or will Alabama struggle amid the off-court drama?

AS the top school in the SEC, Alabama's only losses so far this season come from No. 1 Houston and then No. 3 UConn. But if the Crimson Tide seeks to stay competitive as March Madness draws near, they cannot afford any major mistakes – especially against unranked teams.

The Crimson Tide's road game against Vanderbilt is set for Tuesday at 8:30 PM EST.

Cover photo: Sean M. Haffey / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP

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