On Saturday, October 11, 2025, WKRG News 5 reported that attorneys for Darius Miles, a former University of Alabama basketball player, requested Judge Daniel Pruet to recuse himself from Miles’ upcoming trial. The defense argues that a “reasonable person might question if he hold bias” in the case.
The recusal motion was filed on Thursday, and a hearing was held in Judge Pruet’s courtroom on Friday morning. Miles’ trial is tentatively scheduled to begin on December 1, with jury selection starting in November. The defense is seeking a new judge to oversee the proceedings.
During Friday’s hearing, Miles’ lead counsel, Mary Turner, stated, “The court is implying I’m petty or did this out of retaliation.” Judge Pruet responded, “I don’t think you’re petty,” and also disagreed with the notion that he holds any bias.
According to the court document, “Judge Pruet has demonstrated behavior that would lead a person of ordinary prudence in the judge’s position knowing all of the facts known to the judge to question his impartiality.”
Judge Pruet did not immediately rule on the motion. Instead, he informed the courtroom that he wanted more time to understand the “beliefs of bias” that could be held based on the actions cited in the defense’s motion.
Stan Glasscock, a criminal defense attorney with over 30 years of experience in Tuscaloosa, who is not involved in Miles’ case, weighed in on the hearing. He noted that asking a judge to remove themselves from a case is a significant step, typically based on either a conflict of interest or bias.
Judge Pruet stated in court that Miles has received more accommodations than any other defendant in his courtroom, using this as an example to demonstrate his lack of bias in the case.
While Miles’ defense team is not alleging actual bias, they cited a 2020 judicial opinion stating that “actual bias is not necessary for a judge to recuse – only a reasonable appearance of bias or impropriety.” The motion argues that this opinion provides just cause for recusal.
Judge Pruet indicated that he would have already dismissed the motion if it argued actual bias. If the motion is ultimately dismissed, the defense has the option to request a second opinion by filing a petition of mandamus with the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals, asking the court to review the recusal motion and Judge Pruet’s ruling.
Source: WKRG News 5
