Arizona Coyotes draft pick Mitchell Miller is in hot water after a report surfaced that he bullied a disabled black teenager in high school.
Miller, who was drafted in the fourth round earlier this month, acknowledged this report and apologized for his actions. He was charged with assault and violating the Ohio Safe Schools act in 2016.
Isaiah Meyer-Crothers, the victim of Miller’s bullying, said Miller used to call him the N-word, “brownie,” and beat him up.
“In junior high, I got beat up by him … Everyone thinks he’s so cool that he gets to go to the NHL, but I don’t see how someone can be cool when you pick on someone and bully someone your entire life,” said Isaiah Meyer.
According to one report, Miller and his friends forced Meyer-Crothers to eat candy that had been in a urinal.
The Arizona Coyotes are aware of Miller’s past actions, and he won’t face any discipline from his NHL club. The Coyotes say they want to “educate” Miller on inclusivity and diversity.
Miller offered an apology for his past actions.
“I am extremely sorry about the bullying incident that occurred when I was in eighth grade,” said Miller. “I was young, immature, and feel terrible about my actions. At the time, I didn’t understand the gravity of my actions and how they can affect other people. … Moving forward, I want to be a leader for this cause and help end bullying and racism.”
Former NHL player Akim Aliu clearly isn’t happy with Mitchell Miller or the Coyotes decision to not discipline him.
NHL Needs to do More
Following the Jacob Blake shooting, the NBA, WNBA, MLB, and MLS all refused to play to protest. The NHL continued their scheduled games for the night.
Although the NHL did join the other leagues in protest the following night, the NHL still faced ridicule for not protesting on the first night.
Evander Kane, among other NHL players, called on the league to do more to put an end to racism. The NHL assured Kane that they would.
This Mitchell Miller situation sure doesn’t look good for the NHL.
