Three days after Mitchell Miller was signed to an entry-level deal, the Boston Bruins Sunday, they announced that they would be cutting all ties to the controversial prospect.
From Friday’s announcement, Miller was the subject of intense criticism. Miller was previously a fourth round draft pick by the Bruins. Arizona Coyotes 2020 A report by the shortly after he was drafted Arizona Republic Miller, along with another middle school classmate, were convicted by juvenile court of 2016 of bullying Isaiah Meyers. Meyers is Black. Meyer-Crothers mother claimed that Miller started to abuse her son in second grades while using repeated racial epithets.
Cam Neely, the president of the Bruins stated Sunday night in a statement that Miller was signed after he had carefully considered all the facts. Neely claimed that Miller’s Meyer-Crothers abuse was an isolated incident and that Miller had taken meaningful steps to reform. Miller is also committed to personal growth.
Neely stated that Miller was not covered by the franchise’s contract and that it had been rescinded “based on new information”.
Neely stated that the Bruins would also be reviewing their internal vetting process.
Neely expressed his deepest regrets to Isaiah and his family for making other victims feel unheard and unseen by the signing. “We regret the impact and deep hurt we caused.”
Miller saw his draft rights revoked by the Coyotes within a month of being selected. Miller was also released from the University of North Dakota scholarship he was on as a freshman.
After the 2020-21 season, he sat out and began playing in 2021-22 for the USHL’s Tri-City Storm. He was tied for the league’s lead in goals with 39, and had 83 single-season record points for a defenseman in 60 games. He was the USHL’s defenseman and player of the year.
Miller was initially intended to play for the Providence Bruins, their AHL affiliate. Gary Bettman, NHL commissioner, stated that Miller was “not eligible” to join the NHL at this time. Bettman stated that Miller would need to be cleared by the league to play, but also said that he would “need a lot of things” moving forward.
Bruins forward Nick Foligno Saturday’s team statement said that Miller’s signing was a “tough thing”.
Foligno stated, “I’m going to lie to you.” “I don’t think any man was too happy because we are proud to say that this group cares a lot more about ourselves, how we conduct ourselves, and how people treat us.”
Bruins captain Patrice Bergeron Miller’s behavior was not supported by the team’s culture. He claimed that Miller’s actions were “unacceptable” and that they don’t support it.