BOSTON — The Bruins announced Thursday that the independent review into the club’s ill-fated signing of prospect Mitchell Miller found there was no misconduct from any team employee, but determined the existing vetting policy was lacking and suggested new steps the club said it will implement.
The review was conducted by the law firm of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton and Garrison and led by former U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch.
“Throughout our independent and thorough review process, the Bruins’ leadership and employees cooperated fully. Based upon our review, we have recommended a series of changes and enhancements to the process of vetting future players,” said Lynch in the team press release.
According to the release, the steps that will be implemented are as follows:
— Establish clear written policies for vetting off-ice conduct, including identifying red flags requiring detailed vetting and documented resolution.
— Establish clear timetables and responsibilities within the organization to investigate prospects’ community or other off-ice commitments.
— Establish centralized documentation of vetting to include reporting on red flags and off-ice issues and ensure such documentation is available to all stakeholders involved in the process.
— Establish tracking system to ensure responsibilities for all vetting tasks are clearly assigned and tracked.
— Utilize independent third-party resources to investigate and resolve factual issues when reviewing red flags.
— Determine whether there are specific training or rehabilitation programs the prospect should participate in depending on the nature of the red flags.
“The steps we are announcing today underscore our organization’s commitment to our values, including our process for vetting future players,” Bruins CEO Charlie Jacobs said in the statement. “These improvements, which the team will begin implementing immediately, will help ensure that we are meeting the high standards our associates, fans and community expect from this great organization.”
On Nov. 4, the Bruins announced they had signed Miller, a free agent defenseman who had been drafted by the Arizona Coyotes in the fourth round in 2020. But the Coyotes rescinded their pick amid public pressure when it came to light that Miller had been convicted in juvenile court in Ohio of bullying a developmentally delayed classmate. But according to victim’s mother, Joni Meyer-Crothers, the bullying was not just one incident but rather had been going on for years.
The negative reaction to the Bruins signing Miller was swift and vociferous. Even some of the Bruins' top players let it be known they were uncomfortable with the signing. Two days after signing Miller, team president Cam Neely announced the team had decided to reverse course and part ways with Miller.
But that’s easier said than done. Miller, who signed to a three-year deal, is still technically in the Bruins' employ. If the sides can’t come to a settlement, the club could buy him out in the next buyout period next summer.
