Neely: Recent controversial signing biggest regret 'by far'

Boston Bruins president Cam Neely met with the media to discuss the situation on Monday. Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Bruins president Cam Neely says recent controversial signing was biggest regret of tenure 'by far'

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 11/7/22

The Boston Bruins made headlines for all the wrong reasons Friday when they signed free agent Mitchell Miller. After rescinding the offer on Sunday, team president Cam Neely met with the media to discuss the situation on Monday.

Cam Neely says it was extremely concerning that the Bruins didn’t talk to victim’s family. Says he’s working to find out why, and that he is planning to talk to them.

Says he made it clear “we have to vet this out properly.” “I shouldn’t assume anything.”
— Scott McLaughlin (@smclaughlin9) November 7, 2022

Neely says he did meet with Miller before the signing and found him “remorseful” and believed he wanted to change.
— Scott McLaughlin (@smclaughlin9) November 7, 2022

Neely was asked if he felt misled by Mitchell Miller and/or his agent. "I think it's best not to get into that."
— Scott McLaughlin (@smclaughlin9) November 7, 2022

Miller was originally selected by the Arizona Coyotes in the fourth round of the 2020 NHL Entry draft. The Coyotes soon renounced the selection though after it was revealed that Miller had been convicted of bullying and abusing Isaiah Meyer-Crothers, a disabled black classmate when they were in middle school.

Among the details of the bullying and abuse were numerous instances of racial slurs being used.

In the wake of the controversial move, some Bruins players questioned ownership over the signing. On Saturday, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said that Miller wasn't eligible to play in the league and may never be.

According to Neely, as of Monday morning, the Bruins had still not yet talked with Meyer-Crothers' family, but they were planning on it. Neely added that he was first made aware of the team's interest in Miller in August, but the organization was working on the situation for "almost a year."

Cam Neely: “I do believe in second chances, but maybe some don’t deserve it.”
— Conor Ryan (@ConorRyan_93) November 7, 2022

Asked Neely what he'd say to fans who are Black, who are/know someone disabled.

"I want to apologize on behalf of Bruins. It was a decision we didn't take lightly. I felt based on everything that I knew, that he deserved a second chance."

He admits that was not right call.
— Ty Anderson (@_TyAnderson) November 7, 2022

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