Former Ohio State football star Braxton Miller is under scrutiny following allegations of misconduct during a youth basketball tournament over the weekend in Columbus, Ohio.
Miller, who played quarterback for the Buckeyes from 2011 to 2015 and remains a beloved figure in Ohio State football history, is being accused of behaving inappropriately following a close loss by his AAU team, “Charging,” in a sixth-grade boys basketball game.
According to referee Idrees Ramsey, Miller allegedly threw a basketball at him in frustration after his team lost by a single point. Ramsey shared his account of the alleged incident in a Facebook post, describing the interaction as “vulgar and aggressive.”
“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,” the referee said on Facebook.
Ramsey, who says he’s been officiating high school and college basketball for 12 years, expressed dismay at what he described as a first in his officiating career.
“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,” he continued.
“Sports, while competitive, are still just games. Let’s not lose sight of the responsibility we have to lead our young people.”
The incident comes at a time when tensions in youth sports are rising nationally. Reports of parents and coaches exhibiting aggressive or inappropriate behavior at youth events have become increasingly common.
“As a leader of young athletes, his behavior was deeply disappointing. Actions like this contribute to the growing culture of disrespect toward officials and are part of the reason why there’s a nationwide shortage in officiating,” the referee added.
Miller, who is very active on social media and frequently highlights his son’s athletic achievements, has yet to publicly respond to the allegations.
A native of Ohio and a household name in Buckeye country, Miller transitioned into coaching and mentoring young athletes following his college and brief NFL career.
As of today, no official statement has been made by Miller or any representatives affiliated with the “Charging” AAU program.
What are your thoughts on the alleged incident???
