Vanderbilt’s Jerry Stackhouse on Darius Miles, Alabama tragedy: ‘This game means nothing’

Vanderbilt’s Jerry Stackhouse on Darius Miles, Alabama tragedy: ‘This game means nothing’

Jerry Stackhouse took the stat sheet and crumpled it up Monday night after No. 4 Alabama’s 78-66 win at Vanderbilt.

“This game means nothing,” the Vanderbilt coach said.

Stackhouse was asked about Alabama reserve junior forward Darius Miles being charged Sunday, a day after Alabama already had announced he would miss the rest of the season with an ankle injury. Investigators said Miles admitted to providing the handgun immediately before 23-year-old Jamea Harris was shot early Sunday near campus.

Stackhouse said he couldn’t “fathom that we even played this game.” Stackhouse said he told his Commodores to appreciate the opportunity that someone they have competed against likely will never get again.

“Give them credit to be able to weather all of that stuff that’s around them, to come out and perform the way they did tonight you know, hats off,” Stackhouse said of Alabama. “They were the better team tonight.”

Stackhouse admitted the dynamic of day was altered due to the nature of Tuesday’s game.

“I can’t believe it,” he said. “I can’t even fathom playing this game. My pregame speech – I may have put a damper on it for the guys – we should really go out and honor the victim, honor this kid we all know and competed against who’s life has changed forever. Just go out and be thankful. This game ain’t nothing.

“Hurt for the family. That young lady’s family didn’t feel like they were going to lose their loved one tonight.

“And we’re here at a basketball game. Just be thankful to come out and compete. You have this opportunity. There’s a we know, got to know and compete against. There’s a chance that’ll never happen again.”

Freshman Brandon Miller scored 30 points and had 10 rebounds as Alabama beat Vanderbilt 78-66 for their seventh straight victory. Alabama didn’t make players available after the game.

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