Less than three days after signing Mitchell Miller to an entry-level contract, the Boston Bruins announced Sunday they were severing ties with the controversial prospect.
The decision to sign the 20-year-old defender drew fierce criticism from the moment the Bruins announced it on Friday.Miller was previously a fourth-round pick by the Arizona Coyotes in 2020. Shortly after he was drafted, an Arizona Republic report details how Miller and another middle school classmate were convicted of racist abuse and bullying of Isaiah Meyer in a juvenile court in 2016. is doing. – Crothers, black. In the report, Meyer Crothers’ mother says Miller began abusing her son when he was in his sophomore year, and that she repeatedly used racist language. .
Bruins president Cam Neely said in a statement Sunday night that the decision to sign Miller was “made after careful consideration of the facts that we know.” Miller’s abuse of Meyer Crothers was an “isolated incident,” and Miller believes he “had taken meaningful action to reform and was committed to ongoing personal development.”
Neely said that “based on new information,” the franchise has decided to cancel the contract given to Miller.
Neely also said the Bruins will reassess their internal review process.
“To Isaiah and his family, we sincerely apologize if this signing has caused unseen and unheard feelings for you or any other victim,” Neely said. We apologize for the deep hurt and impact it has caused.”
Miller was waived of draft rights by the Coyotes less than a month after he was selected. He was also released from a scholarship at the University of North Dakota, where he entered as a freshman.
He missed the 2020-21 season, but returned to play for the USHL’s Tri-City Storm in the 2021-22 season. He finished tied for the league leader with his 39 goals and scored his 83 goals in 60 appearances. He was named the USHL Defenseman of the Year and Player of the Year.
The Bruins originally planned to have Miller play for their AHL affiliate, the Providence Bruins. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said on Saturday that the Bruins had not been consulted about a contract with the league and Miller was “not eligible to join the NHL at this time.” Bettmann said the league would eventually have to allow Miller to play, and “a lot has to be seen” going forward.
Bruins forward Nick Foligno said Saturday that it was “hard” for the team to learn the organization signed Miller.
“I’m not going to lie to you,” said Foligno. I don’t think anyone was happy because we are so proud.”
Bruins captain Patrice Bergeron said the culture the team has built runs counter to the type of behavior Miller has displayed. We don’t support it,” he said.
