Former Montana State basketball player Branden Miller has been sentenced to 125 years in prison for his part in the shooting death of a suspected drug dealer.

Miller was sentenced Tuesday to 100 years in prison for deliberate homicide, 10 years for the use of a weapon, 10 years for tampering with evidence and five years for an earlier bar assault. The sentences are to run consecutively.

Miller pleaded guilty to deliberate homicide charges in connection with the June 2006 shooting death Jason Wright, 26, whose body was found in a field near Montana State University.

The order from Judge Mike Salvagni also included ten years for tampering with evidence and five for an assault with a weapon charge stemming from a brawl outside the Rockin R Bar just a week before the homicide.

Judge Mike Salvagni judge cited his duty to protect the public as a reason for the lengthy prison term, saying Miller's actions spoke louder than his words, and that the defendant's remorse can't overshadow how he robbed and terrorized Wright, which led to his death.

There was one victory for the defense as Salvagni did not put any restrictions on Miller's parole. He will be eligible for release from the Montana State Prison in about 30 years.

Sentencing has begun for a former MSU athlete who's charged with the murder of Jason Wright, 26, whose body was found in a field off Huffine Lane in Bozeman back in June of 2006.

Monday marked the first time since Wright's death that his family has publicly spoken about the homicide.

Jason's uncle, called Branden Miller a monster, while Jason's mother asked the judge to give Miller the harshest sentence possible. Meanwhile, Wright's uncle, Stuart Plotnick, appeared in court, and used some strong language.

"The defendant claims he is remorseful and he is sorry for what he's done. Well I for one do not accept your apology Mr. Miller. You could have robbed him, just taken his money or whatever you wanted. But, no, instead he took him out into a field and shot him like a dog. He deserves no chance, as far as I'm concerned, he deserved to rot in hell."

It was an emotional day in court for Wright's family.

We're just days away from sentencing for two former MSU athletes, behind bars for felony crimes that include robbery, kidnapping and murder.

Former redshirt football player John Lebrum is set to be sentenced for his role in the 2006 shooting death of Jason Wright on May 7th. Lebrum is facing a felony charge of robbery and this week the judge in the case ruled that he must wear jail coveralls and full restraints during sentencing.

Lebrum's attorney says his client is a model prisoner and there's no reason to restrain him or not allow him to wear his own clothes.

But, in his ruling, the judge said it was common practice for defendants to appear in jail clothing and restraints for a sentencing.

Former MSU basketball player Branden Miller is set to be sentenced before Lebrum on May 5th. Miller has pled guilty to felony murder, but both men maintain they didn't shoot Jason Wright.

A former MSU athlete, behind bars for kidnapping and murder, went before the judge Monday to discuss taking back his guilty plea. Former Bobcat Branden Miller told the judge he was concerned about being pegged as the shooter in 2006 death of Jason Wright.

In January, Miller pled guilty to deliberate homicide, tampering with evidence and aggravated kidnapping in connection with Wright's murder. But Miller's lawyer Peter Ohman says the former Bobcat basketball player remains adamant that he did not kill Jason Wright.

Ohman says Miller admits to deliberate homicide, but does not admit to pulling the trigger.

In his plea agreement, Miller pled guilty to felony murder, which under Montana law means he admitted to being involved in a felony act, like robbery, that resulted in Wright's death. But, county Attorney Marty Lambert maintains that Miller shot Jason Wright and said Monday that he will present evidence supporting that at Miller's sentencing.

After discussing his options in court, Miller decided to keep his plea of guilty and go forward with sentencing as scheduled. Miller will learn his sentence May 7th.

Former MSU football player John Lebrum will be sentenced before him on May 5th. Lebrum also maintains that he did not shoot Jason Wright.

There's been another twist in the case of a former Montana State University basketball player who's waiting to learn his fate in a murder case.

Just a few months ago former Bobcat Branden Miller pled guilty to murder, tampering with evidence and aggravated kidnapping in connection with the 2006 shooting death of Jason Wright.

Now, court documents indicate Miller has changed his mind and wants to withdraw his guilty plea.

In a motion filed Tuesday afternoon, Miller's lawyer asks that his client be brought back to Gallatin County from Choteau, for a hearing on this matter.

At this point, we don't know specifics regarding why Miller wants to withdraw his guilty plea, but one lawyer we spoke with said Miller has the right to ask the judge to do so.

However, legally, there is a very high standard that a defendant must meet. Court records simply say Miller's attorney wants to hold a meeting, so that the judge can hear from Branden Miller himself on this issue.

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