College Football Legend Accused of 'Inappropriate' Behavior at AAU Game
A onetime Ohio State football standout has been accused of "inappropriate" behavior during a recent youth basketball event.
Over the weekend, a man named Idrees Ramsey shared a post on Facebook claiming that Braxton Miller, a star for the Buckeyes from 2011-15, acted out of line during a middle school boys' AAU basketball game earlier this month.
Miller was reportedly coaching a team that lost by one point when he lashed out at Ramsey, allegedly throwing a basketball at the longtime official.
“After speaking with my mentors and respected colleagues in the officiating world, I was encouraged to share or ‘voluntarily told’ to mention what happened to me, so that, other area officials can be informed and aware," Ramsey said. "On Sunday, May 18th, after officiating a 6th grade boys basketball AAU game in Columbus, Ohio, an unfortunate incident occurred. Ohio State’s former star quarterback Braxton Miller, whose team (Charging) had just lost by one point, reacted inappropriately. As I walked away from the court toward the bench, he threw a basketball at my back in a vulgar and aggressive manner. This happened in front of 6th grade players, children who look to adults for examples of sportsmanship and respect."
Ramsey called Miller's actions "deeply disappointing,” and said the 2014 College Football Playoff national champion's behavior is part of the "growing culture of disrespect toward officials and are part of the reason why there’s a nationwide shortage in officiating.”
“In my 12 combined years officiating high school and college basketball, I have never experienced a situation where I was physically struck by a person or object until that day," Ramsey added. "Sports, while competitive, are still just games. Let’s not lose sight of the responsibility we have to lead our young people.”
Miller has not addressed Ramsey's accusations, as of Monday afternoon.
A two-time Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year as a quarterback in 2012 and 2013, Miller missed almost all of the 2014 season due to injury. He returned to finish his career as a wide receiver in 2015.
Miller later appeared in 21 regular season games for the Houston Texans in 2016-17, catching 34 passes for 261 yards and two touchdowns.