The Boston Bruins have cut ties with 20-year-old rookie signee, Mitchell Miller after a former disabled classmate brought about allegations of years of bullying and abuse from Miller.  

   According to NBC Sports, “The culture that we’ve built here goes against that type of behavior… we’re a team that’s built something about character, character people and individuals,” Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney said.

   Allegations first arose in 2020 shortly after he was drafted by the Arizona Coyotes in the NHL entry draft. It was then that former classmate Issaih Meyer-Crothers brought to light “Years of abuse at Miller’s hands that culminated in a juvenile court case” according to NPR.

   According to the Arizona Republic, “He pretended to be my friend and made me do things I didn’t want to do,” Meyer-Crothers said.

   Two years later, however, this past Nov. fourth, the Bruins signed the 20-year-old to an entry-level contract, to the disapproval of NHL fans and officials. This signing came on the heels of a record 83-point season by Miller, which ultimately led to the Bruins’ decision to sign Miller.

   According to NPR, “I am not going to downplay that this has been a personal and professional struggle… Mitchell paid a punishment, and he’s going to continue to carry that for the rest of his life,” Sweeney said. 

   The Bruins decided less than 48 hours later, on Nov. 6, to rescind their signing of Miller.  Several NHL players and officials, and even Bruins players opposed the controversial signing, as they believed he was not eligible to come into the league according to NPR.

   According to NPR, “He’s not coming into the NHL,” NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said. “He’s not eligible at this point to come into the NHL” .

   Several Bruins players supported the “renege” as they looked to keep up the positive climate that they had created in the Boston locker room. 4

   According to NBC Sports, “To be honest with you, the culture that we’ve built here goes against that type of behavior,” Bruins captain Patrice Bergereon said. “We’re a team that’s built something about character, character, people, and individuals. What he did, obviously, is unacceptable and we don’t stand by that.” 

   How long Miller will be kept out of the NHL is still on the table, however, there is no promise from the league that he will be allowed back in at any point in his career.

   “I can’t tell you that he’ll ever be eligible to come into the NHL,” Gary Bettman said according to NPR.