Tri-City Storm, Miller release statement after the renounced NHL draft pick is signed by the team

The USHL's Tri-City Storm has released a statement explaining why the team decided to sign Mitchell Miller after he was renounced as a draft pick by the Arizona Coyotes and banned from playing hockey at the University of North Dakota. This happened after it was made public that Miller had bullied and directed racial slurs at a developmentally disabled teen when both were 14 years old.

"We know Mitchell very well and we are convinced what happened when he was 14 isn't indicative of his character or who he is now as a 19-year-old young man," said Storm President of Hockey Operations and Head Coach Anthony Noreen

"Mitchell and the Storm do not minimize what happened five years ago. Bullying and racially offensive remarks are wrong under any circumstance. Mitchell is fully aware of that, he regrets what he did, and is genuinely sorry. He's grown and matured greatly since then, and we believe in the person that he's become. We will continue to support and guide Mitchell to ensure his maturation and commitment to helping others continues," Noreen continued.

"I'm grateful for the chance to resume my playing career with the Tri-City Storm," said Miller. "What I did when I was 14 years old was hurtful to others, and I'm truly sorry for that. I've done a lot of growing up over the past five years, and become a mature person who is respectful of everyone at all times. I pledge to make the most of this opportunity, and be a good person on and off the ice, helping others in as many ways as I can."

Miller was found guilty five years ago of engaging in abusive and racist behavior towards developmentally challenged student Isaiah Meyer-Crothers at his school. Miller was ordered by the court to write an apology letter to Meyer-Crothers and to refrain from contacting him past that point.

According to the Storm's release, the USHL has vetted this signing.

"The USHL has reviewed and vetted the current situation in regards to Mr. Mitchell Miller at great length," said USHL President and Commissioner Bill Robertson. "We believe Mr. Miller deserves a second chance and opportunity, while also feeling that the Tri-City Storm organization has developed an on-going developmental plan to assist this young man off and on the ice while competing this season in our league. We wish Mr. Miller well this year."

The reaction to Tri-City's statement on Twitter has been almost uniformly negative

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