After two days of warranted criticism and concern that was shared by fans, media and even players in their own locker room, the Bruins announced on Sunday night that they have parted ways with Mitchell Miller.
As part of their release announcing the move, Bruins president Cam Neely released the following statement:
“Today the Boston Bruins have decided to part ways with Mitchell Miller, effective immediately. The decision to sign this young man was made after careful consideration of the facts as we were aware of them: that at 14-years-old he made a poor decision that led to a juvenile conviction. We understood this to be an isolated incident and that he had taken meaningful action to reform and was committed to ongoing personal development. Based on that understanding we offered him a contract.
“Based on new information, we believe it is the best decision at this time to rescind the opportunity for Mitchell Miller to represent the Boston Bruins. We hope that he continues to work with professionals and programs to further his education and personal growth.
“We owe it to our fans, players, staff, partners and community to make sure that our practices and protocols are in keeping with the ethos that we demand from ourselves and as an organization. As such, we will be reevaluating our internal processes for vetting individuals who wish to earn the privilege of playing in the National Hockey League for the Boston Bruins.
“We are sorry that this decision has overshadowed the incredible work the members of our organization do to support diversity and inclusion efforts. We will continue to stand against bullying and racism in all of its forms.
“To Isaiah and his family, my deepest apologies if this signing made you and other victims feel unseen and unheard. We apologize for the deep hurt and impact we have caused.
“Finally, as a father, I think there is a lesson to be learned here for other young people. Be mindful of careless behaviors and going with the group mentality of hurting others. The repercussions can be felt for a lifetime.”
Sunday’s move didn’t necessarily come as much of a surprise, as new information — some of which clearly could have been uncovered by the Bruins had they opted to perform the due diligence they said they did on Miller — made an already ugly decision by this front-office devolve into a downright embarrassment, with Boston sacrificing their own preached principles and common-sense measures in favor of adding a player with a sordid past to the pipeline.
Sunday stood as the latest damning indictment on a Bruins organization that did a half-assed job of vetting Miller’s past and his efforts to show atonement for his despicable treatment of Isaiah Meyer-Crothers.
While Miller’s agent, Eustace King, released a statement earlier on Sunday that said that Miller had “committed” to working with the Carnegie Initiative, among many other organizations — the Carnegie Initiative later released its own statement disputing such a claim.
The CI Statement Regarding O2K/Mitchell Miller
— carnegieinitiative (@CarnegieInit) November 6, 2022
1/3 This morning @EustaceKing of O2K Management released a statement that referenced The Carnegie Initiative as it pertains to the Mitchell Miller situation. pic.twitter.com/zXQpXGhCLk
It was the latest in a rather extensive list of evidence pointing to a player in Miller whose willingness to show remorse for his treatment of Meyer-Crothers only became a focus once an NHL contract was dangled in front of him.
Neely will address the media on Monday at 9:15 a.m. at Warrior Ice Arena.
