Mitchell Miller's agent releases statement amid controversy over contract signing

Amid the announcement and reaction to the signing of 20-year-old Mitchell Miller to an entry-level by the Boston Bruins, Miller's agent has apparently been taking heat for signing him as a client given the racial implications of the situation. Eustace King of O2K Sports Management has now decided to release a statement commenting on why he signed Miller despite Miller's racist actions in the past, and why his agency was onboard.

"As one of the very few black agents in the league, a member of the NHL's Diversity and Inclusion Committee, and as a Black man who has spent his entire life in hockey, I understand the gravity of the situation and respect the fierce emotions and reactions to the initial reporting and commentary on Mr. Miller's past behavior," said King.

"OK2 Sports would not have agreed to represent Mitchell without months of research, deliberation, and introspection within our organization, and conversations with outside advisors," he continued.

King went on to list organizations that Miller has been volunteering with over he past years, including the Spread the Word campaign, which is focused on the inclusion of all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

'We believe in restorative justice. Mitchell and I are on this path together, and I welcome you all to join us. OK2 Sports Management believes in accountability, and so does our client," said King.

All of the back and forth over Miller's contract with the Bruins may be moot as it still isn't exactly clear whether he can play in the AHL or NHL. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said over the weekend that the league was not consulted and he's not sure whether Miller is eligible to play in the NHL. The AHL's Commissioner echoed that sentiment, saying he needed time to review the situation.

If you aren't fully aware of Miller's background, you can read the full details here.. Miller's draft selection was renounced by the Arizona Coyotes after a story in which he and another teen viciously bullied an intellectually disabled classmate became public. Miller and the other individual were charged in juvenile court for abusing Isaiah Meyer-Crothers, using racial slurs and forcing him to lick a lollipop they had smeared inside of a bathroom urinal. Meyer-Crothers' mother insists her son has never received a real apology from Miller.

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