Stephen A. Smith recently defended Malika Andrews for bringing up Brandon Miller’s controversial to a fatal shooting in Tuscaloosa during her NBA draft coverage.

Smith, a recent appearance on Podcast P with Paul George, said it was Andrews’ responsibility to bring up the 6-foot-9 forward’s past.

“She is getting crucified leading into the Draft because she’s asking Brandon Miller a question or bringing up somebody’s past,” Smith said. “She had an obligation to ask those questions. …

“She did her job. If she doesn’t do her job, she’s off the air. They (would be) like, ‘What we need you for?’”

Miller’s involvement in a Jan. 15 incident on the Strip in Tuscaloosa during which 23-year-old Jamea Jonae Harris was shot and killed made national headlines.

Miller was never charged in the shooting. Darius Miles, a former Alabama basketball player, and Michael “Buzz” Davis are charged with capital murder.

Davis was accused of firing the gun that killed Harris after getting the weapon from Miles. Miles had retrieved the gun from Miller’s car, where authorities say he left it after catching a ride to the Strip with his teammate following an SEC victory over LSU. The windshield of Miller’s car was struck twice in the exchange of gunfire in which Harris died.

Miles pleaded not guilty to the charge against him.

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.