Update: The New York Times on June 2, 2023 issued a correction to its report from March 15 to show that Cooper Lee, not Kai Spears, was in Brandon Miller’s car the night Jamea Harris was killed.
Christian Spears, Marshall athletic director and father of Alabama men’s basketball walk-on Kai Spears, is pursuing “all legal options” after the New York Times reported Kai’s presence at the Jan. 15 fatal shooting along the Tuscaloosa strip.
“I am just incredibly disappointed in the irresponsible and demonstrably false reporting by the NY Times. 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,” Christian Spears said in a statement released Thursday.
Christian Spears has worked in five different athletic departments over the last 20 years. He started his tenure at Marshall in 2022. His son, Kai Spears, is a 6-foot-2 guard.
Kai Spears released a statement on Instagram also refuting the Times’ story.
“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. 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.”
UA disputed the story by the Times, which was published Wednesday night. The Times piece cited a source who spoke on the condition of anonymity in order to discuss the sensitive matters of the ongoing case.
Tide freshman Miller was on his way to pick up Miles following a night out after Alabama’s Jan. 14 win over LSU. Miles and his childhood friend, Michael “Buzz” Davis, then allegedly got into an altercation with another party, which prompted Miles to text Miller to bring him Miles’ gun located in Miller’s car. Davis and Miles are indicted on capital murder charges in the death of 23-year-old Jamea Harris.
Miller and freshman Jaden Bradley’s involvement has been confirmed by Tuscaloosa police and the university. An ESPN story reported an unnamed passenger in Miller’s car. The NYT source identified that passenger as Spears.
“(NYT) story is inaccurate,” a UA spokesperson said in a statement. “Based on the information we have, there were no current student-athletes present at the scene other than Brandon Miller and Jaden Bradley, who are both fully cooperating witnesses. From the outset, UA Athletics has fully cooperated with law enforcement and supported their investigation.”
Nick Alvarez is a reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @nick_a_alvarez or email him at NAlvarez@al.com.