Alabama men’s basketball walk-on Kai Spears and his father, Marshall athletic director Christian Spears, issued separate statements on Thursday disputing a New York Times report released Wednesday which identified Spears as one of four Crimson Tide players on the scene of the deadly Jan. 15 shooting that led to the death of 23-year-old Jamea Jonae Harris. The incident led to the arrest of former Crimson Tide player Darius Miles on a capital murder charge and he was subsequently released from the team.
Spears took to social media on Thursday and called the report of his appearance at the scene “100% inaccurate.”
“I have one thing to say — the report in the New York Times was 100% inaccurate and the writer had complete disregard for the truth,” Spears said. “I am trying to process and cope with these false statements that somehow have been published and then seen by so many. So thankful to Alabama Athletics for refuting it on my behalf.
“More than anything, I remain completely heartbroken by the tragic death that occurred that night.”
Spears’ father, meanwhile, blasted the report as “demonstrably false” and said he is pursuing legal options.
“I am just incredibly disappointed in the irresponsible and demonstrably false reporting by the NY Times,” said Spears in a statement issued from Marshall. “We are exploring all legal options at this time. I will have no further comment, instead deferring to the University of Alabama’s statement on the matter.”
Late Wednesday, Alabama was quick to dispute the report claiming Spears was on the scene. While current players Brandon Miller and Jaden Bradley were previously identified as present when the deadly shooting took place, the school said it does not believe Spears nor any other current athletes were there based on the information they have.
“Your story is inaccurate,” Alabama said in a statement. “Based on the information we have,…
Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/alabama-basketballs-kai-spears-disputes-report-claiming-he-was-at-scene-of-deadly-shooting-in-january/
Author : Kyle Boone
Publish date : 2023-03-16 17:43:03
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