The New York Times stands by its reporting that Alabama walk-on basketball player Kai Spears was a fourth basketball player at the scene of the shooting of Jamea Harris and was in Brandon Miller’s car.

“We’re confident in our reporting and stand by it,” a Times spokesperson told AL.com on Friday morning.

The New York Times reported Wednesday night that Spears was in Brandon Miller’s car at the scene of the Jan. 15 shooting, a detail that had not previously been reported.

After the report, The University of Alabama issued a statement refuting the Times’ reporting.

Stephen New, a West Virginia-based attorney representing Spears, issued a statement to AL.com that claimed “we can demonstrate Kai was not in the car, nor near that vicinity at the time in question.”

In addition, Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne issued a statement Thursday calling the story an “inaccurate report.”

“This is untrue,” Byrne tweeted. “As law enforcement previously stated, Brandon Miller and Jaden Bradley were present.”

Both, he said, are “cooperating witnesses,” and neither have been charged.

“Some inaccurate narratives have been reported and the involvement of Alabama student-athletes that display an unfortunate disregard of the facts. We ask all to exercise careful due diligence before reporting on this sensitive situation.”

Christian Spears, Marshall athletic director and father of Spears, released a statement saying he is pursuing “all legal options” in response to the Times’ piece.

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.”

Mark Heim is a sports reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim.