Alabama coach Nate Oats says the team 'felt awful' after Brandon Miller's pat-down

Alabama basketball coach Nate Oats is taking responsibility for Brandon Miller's controversial pregame pat-down prior to the team's 86-83 win over Arkansas on Saturday.

"We, as the adults in the room, should have been more sensitive to how it could have been interpreted," he said Tuesday. "I dropped the ball. That's it. I dropped the ball on it."

Miller walked through a tunnel of teammates and smoke machines during the starting lineup announcements on Saturday and was patted down by teammate Adam Cottrell. The gesture went viral across the Internet, with many calling it "insensitive" and "tone deaf" following Miller's alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of a 23-year old woman last month in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

"We addressed as a team and as soon as I brought it up to them, they immediately understood how it could be interpreted and we all felt awful about it," Oats said. "We've addressed it. I can assure you that it won't happen again."

WHAT WE KNOW:  Brandon Miller, Alabama basketball, murder and controversy

NATE OATS:  Alabama coach says Brandon Miller's pregame pat-down 'will not happen again'

Oats said his players explained that the gesture was similar to getting screened by the Transportation Security Administration: "They explained to me that it's like when TSA checks you before you get on a plane and now Brandon's cleared for takeoff."

But Oats said the blame is on the adults, not the players: "That situation is on me."

Following Alabama's win on Saturday, Oats told reporters that he's not "involved" with  pregame introductions, but noted that Miller's pat-down is "something that's been going on all year." However, he said it's "not appropriate" and "will not happen again."

OPINION: Why does Alabama let Brandon Miller keep playing? Crimson Tide can't provide answers

Former Alabama player Darius Miles was arrested on Jan. 15 for the shooting of Jamea Harris and charged with capital murder, along with Michael “Buzz” Davis. A preliminary hearing last week revealed that Miller was at the scene of the shooting and transported the gun used.

Miller’s attorney said his client had “never touched the gun, was not involved in its exchange” and “never knew that illegal activity involving the gun would occur.”

Miller faces no charges and was not disciplined by Alabama.  

He went on to play in Alabama's 78-76 overtime win over South Carolina on Wednesday, putting up a career-high 41 points, eight rebounds and three steals. On Saturday, Miller finished with 24 points and six rebounds against Arkansas.

MORE: Parents of shooting victim rip Alabama and Nate Oats for letting Brandon Miller play

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Alabama coach takes blame for Brandon Miller's pregame pat-down