Global Courant
The Boston Bruins signed Mitchell Miller to an entry-level contract on November 4 last year, but there was controversy.
Miller, now 21, pleaded guilty at age 14 to one count of assault and violating the Ohio Safe Schools Act after he and another student assaulted a classmate.
The two forced Isaiah Meyer-Crothers to eat a lollipop after wiping it into a bathroom urinal, and surveillance footage also showed them kicking and punching him. It was also discovered that Miller Meyer-Crothers, who is black and has developmental disabilities, often referred to the N-word and “brownie.”
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The Bruins logo in the center of the ice at TD Garden on December 5, 2019 at TD Garden in Boston. (John Crouch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Despite the team saying they will “part ways” just two days after Miller’s signing, he remained under contract.
The New York Post was told that the team had terminated their contract with Miller after breaking ties with him, but there was no record of him being placed on waivers, as required by the league’s collective bargaining agreement. Even as recently as Saturday night, Miller was featured on the team’s minor league roster on sites like CapFriendly and PuckPedia.
The NHLPA then reportedly filed a complaint, and the Bruins and Miller reached a settlement in February. Miller was subsequently released, paid an undisclosed amount of money and given free agency.
The TD Garden before the Nashville Predators game on March 28, 2023 in Boston. (China Wong/NHLI via Getty Images)
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Miller was a fourth-round draft pick by the Arizona Coyotes in 2016, but when more details about the offense became public in October 2020, the Coyotes relinquished his draft rights. He was then kicked off the University of North Dakota hockey team.
Bruins president Cam Neely said the organization “failed” Miller’s vetting process, citing “new information” that led the team to withdraw its contract offer. Neely said he heard the team did not speak to Meyer-Crothers or his family, which he said was “deeply concerning”.
Meyer-Crothers noted that Miller had recently apologized to him, and that the apology “wasn’t about hockey”. However, he said that “in mid-October” Miller texted him “constantly every day until I replied to a Snapchat and (Instagram) message” from Miller asking “why do I have parents who do things for me and why I can’t speak for myself.”
Meyer-Crothers said Miller told him “he did things in the community and helped the youth and wanted to be my friend.” But when Meyer-Crothers asked for proof of his service to the community, Miller was unable to provide one.
A flag with the Bruins logo being moved by fans during the Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Garden on May 6, 2022 in Boston. (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
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The Bruins set the all-time NHL records for most wins (65) and points (135) in a single season, but their quest for a Stanley Cup ended with a disturbing first-round loss to the Florida Panthers, immediately ending any consideration of that squad being the greatest NHL team ever.
