Mitchell Miller's former classmate comes to his defense

PUBLICATION

Josh tupper
November 16, 2022 (7:26 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

Mitchell Miller has become public enemy number one across the hockey world and to a certain a point justifiably. After being signed by the Boston Bruins, Miller was immediately crucified by the hockey world for his actions as a 14-year-old.

After facing days of backlash the Bruins finally decided to terminate Miller's contract. That decision will carry over to the offseason, when the Bruins will be able to terminate the deal.

Now one of Miller's former classmates has come to his defense and is offering up this information about him.

I am an African/American student who went to middle school with Mitchell Miller in 8th grade. I'm not here to defend bullying or racism or any of that. What happened was unacceptable. I know Mitchell has tried to make this right so many times. He is not the same person he used to be in 8th grade. I don't think someone's life should be determined by something that happened at 14. Mitchell did everything that the courts have told him to do and has done his time. He has made a real effort to change as well, he invites me to golf with him and to skate every summer. He checks up on me and we talk. He is sincerely remorseful for what happened. I do find it embarrassing that Joni Meyer-Crothers claims to be a Christian but refuses to forgive Mitchell. Mitchell wants to make this right and move on but time after time she refuses to let that happen. When does this end? When can he live his life again? A private apology, a meeting with the family? What is it going to take? Mitchell has apologized many times to Joni and her family and she refuses to accept it. What does she really want out of this is my personal question now?

It's fair to say that everyone deserves a second chance and it's clear there are more than just two sides of this story. It's unlikely the NHL will ever grant Mitchell the opportunity to make amends for his actions in the league. But hopefully this whole story eventually gets told.