Boston Bruins make controversial signing

PUBLICATION

Dorin Canaday
November 4, 2022 (12:32)

SHARE THIS STORY

The Boston Bruins and general manager Don Sweeney may be under some fire now, as they announced a controversial signing Friday morning.

As per the Bruins PR:

Boston Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney announced today, November 4, that the team has signed defenseman Mitchell Miller to an entry-level contract.

Miller was originally selected in the fourth round (111th overall) by the Arizona Coyotes at the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. The Coyotes renounced Miller's selection after it came to light that he bullied an intellectually disabled child while in eighth grade.

The team issued a statement from Miller:

''When I was in eighth grade, I made an extremely poor decision and acted very immaturely," said Miller. "I bullied one of my classmates. I deeply regret the incident and have apologized to the individual. Since the incident, I have come to better understand the far-reaching consequences of my actions that I failed to recognize and understand nearly seven years ago. I strive to be a better person and positively contribute to society. As a member of the Bruins organization, I will continue to participate in community programs to both educate myself and share my mistakes with others to show what a negative impact those actions can have on others. To be clear, what I did when I was 14 years old was wrong and unacceptable. There is no place in this world for being disrespectful to others and I pledge to use this opportunity to speak out against mistreating others.''

Social media users have already shown their displeasure online.

Ian McLaren of ''Locked on Bruins'' with the best take on the situation:

''Second chances are cool and pobody's nerfect but this was a case of racism and ableism. Can't separate that from hockey stats. Deeply disappointed in the Bruins.''

As per NHL insider Elliotte Friedman:

''I understand Bruins have done a lot of work on thisdid not make a quick decision. It was a long process. As I said on the Jeff Marek show, I am torn between thinking someone deserves to show they are a different person at 21 than 14 � and recognition I could not forgive if my child.''