Alabama men’s basketball coach Nate Oats confirmed Wednesday that star forward Brandon Miller is being accompanied by an armed security guard after receiving threats.

The guard, who was carrying a gun, was visible at Alabama’s afternoon news conference featuring Miller and its practice open to fans inside Legacy Arena.

“If you guys saw some of what I’ve seen sent his way, I think you would understand why that’s the case,” Oats said. “I don’t want to get into all of that. The entire situation, as you know, is just heartbreaking on all accounts.

“… Some of the messages from people that can sit behind fake email addresses, but who knows whether they’re real or not, that I’ve seen. Something that nobody would ever want their son — I treat my players like my own sons.

“… Our administration has seen what I’ve seen, and it’s appropriate. It’s nothing a college kid should have to go through.”

When asked about the guard, Miller said, “I feel like we always travel with security. That’s all I’m going to be able to say about that.”

This story will be updated.

Mike Rodak is an Alabama beat reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @mikerodak.