In the face of heavy criticism of them, the Boston Bruins backed out on the Mitchell Miller file and parted ways with the controversial player on Sunday.
“The Boston Bruins have made the decision to part ways with forward Mitchell Miller, effective immediately,” Massachusetts squad president Cam Neely said in a statement.
The Bruins originally signed the defender to a three-year entry-level deal on Friday, despite what he had been criticized for in the past.
Drafted by the Arizona Coyotes in the 2020 National Hockey League (NHL) draft, Miller quickly found himself in the free agent market when his past surfaced in the media. The American was found guilty of bullying and hitting an African American man with developmental disabilities when he was 14. Among other things, he is said to have launched racist insults.
“The decision to offer this young man a contract was taken after much deliberation as we knew he made a bad decision at the age of 14 which resulted in a juvenile sentence,” added Neely. We understood that this was an isolated case and that he had taken serious action to change. Based on these facts, we offered him a contract.
“Based on new information, we believe depriving Mitchell Miller of the option to represent the Boston Bruins is the best decision. We hope he continues to work with professionals and support programs to further his education and personal growth.”
The Bruins organization has even hinted they will review their approach when it comes time to award contracts to young players who wish to join them.
“We are sorry that this decision has marred the incredible work that members of our organization are doing in the face of inclusion and diversity. We will continue to fight against all forms of bullying and racism,” Neely concluded while again apologizing to the young victim of Miller and his family.
Miller’s agent comes to his defense
Miller’s agent Eustace King took to social media earlier today in his defense.
King said the decision to represent Miller was not taken lightly and that he understands the media storm surrounding his client’s actions, but he indicated that he believes in “restorative justice.”
“[L’agence] O2K Sports would not have agreed to represent Mitchell without months of research, deliberation, soul searching within our organization and discussions with outside advisors, King said on Twitter. We also learned during our deliberations that Mitchell had volunteered for the past six years [plusieurs organisations caritatives].”
Raise
The African American King, a member of the NHL’s inclusion and diversity committee, therefore seems convinced that he made the right choice by supporting Miller in his efforts.
“We have decided to embrace Professor Loretta Ross’ forward-thinking approach and we choose ‘educate, not nullify’ as the path to healing and understanding of the breed.”
In addition, while saying he “understands the seriousness of the gestures,” King didn’t say a word to the victim in his statement.