Around the League 36-But Who's Counting...

[Navin R Slavin]

Ex-Canes with points tonight:

Roy 1g
Hamilton 1a
Lindholm 1g
Hanifin 1a
Skinner 1g
Geekie 2a
TDA 1a
TVR 1a
Nino 1g 1a
Luostarinen 1g
Forsling 1a

I remember when players that left the Canes would mostly just disappear because most of them weren't that good.

 

[Sens1Canes2]

So now the AHL is saying that, well, if Miller isn’t eligible for the NHL/is on some sort of suspension list, he may not be eligible for the AHL either.

Boy once the dominoes start to fall, everyone can’t help themselves in some weird race to condemn. Pretty soon Bauer will send a recovery team to take back Miller’s skates - because by god, he doesn’t deserve the chance to play this beautiful game, ever.

 

[Cardiac Jerks]

It’ll be interesting to see whether the league reviews that one. The first was unintentional, but on the second one Tkachuk deliberately turned his blade into Quick’s eye-hole and damn near took his eye out. Tkachuk did a good job of looking in the other direction so there’s some plausible deniability, but what other purpose does it serve to put your blade on the goalie’s face mask and rotate it?

Remarkably, Quick actually stopped playing with 2 seconds left in a one-goal game with the puck right in his kitchen, just to take a swing at Tkachuk. That’s some 1970s craziness we don’t see much anymore.

In any case, Florida’s got 1 regulation W in their past 6, and are sitting as close to Montreal as they are to Tampa. Losing Ekblad is really stinging them.

That’s some Happy Gilmore shit right there.

So now the AHL is saying that, well, if Miller isn’t eligible for the NHL/is on some sort of suspension list, he may not be eligible for the AHL either.

Boy once the dominoes start to fall, everyone can’t help themselves in some weird race to condemn. Pretty soon Bauer will send a recovery team to take back Miller’s skates - because by god, he doesn’t deserve the chance to play this beautiful game, ever.

That’s quite a reach. They’re simply respecting the suspension of their parent league.

 

[MadeUpName]

Miller bullied a kid for years because of his Race and Intellectual Disabilities. Both the family of the victim and the court magistrate have stated that Miller shows zero remorse for his actions. That is some heinous sociopathic type shit.

It's weird seeing so many keyboard warriors screeching in defense of this specific person. What is the point? "f*** that guy" should be the default position. As it was in Boston's locker-room. Actions have consequences.

This isn't a slippery slope. Torturing a person because of the color of their skin or because of their mental capacity should be a scenario that is societally curb-stomped. Loudly and for everyone to see. I can't believe the whataboutism I see trying to gloss over that fact.

 

[Sens1Canes2]

Miller bullied a kid for years because of his Race and Intellectual Disabilities. Both the family of the victim and the court magistrate have stated that Miller shows zero remorse for his actions. That is some heinous sociopathic type shit.

It's weird seeing so many keyboard warriors screeching in defense of this specific person. What is the point? "f*** that guy" should be the default position. As it was in Boston's locker-room. Actions have consequences.

This isn't a slippery slope. Torturing a person because of the color of their skin or because of their mental capacity should be a scenario that is societally curb-stomped. Loudly and for everyone to see. I can't believe the whataboutism I see trying to gloss over that fact.

…….as a kid

Again. The league has employed adult killers. But this is a bridge too far?

No one is disputing how bad it was, what he did. My contention would be, as a child, one can do things that don’t tell the story of who you are as an adult.

Maybe he’s still a dickhead. No idea.

 

[MadeUpName]

…….as a kid

... And shows zero remorse for his actions according to both the victim's family and the courts.

Besides that, I was very well aware as a 14 year old that targeting vulnerable people with violence and abuse is a bad thing to do.

Be better. Expect better. Quit whining about taking his skates away or other sensationalistic BS.

 

[Sens1Canes2]

That’s some Happy Gilmore shit right there.




That’s quite a reach. They’re simply respecting the suspension of their rent league.

... And shows zero remorse for his actions according to both the victims family and the courts.

Besides that, I was very well aware as a 14 year old that targeting vulnerable people with violence and abuse is a bad thing to do.

Be better. Expect better. Quit whining about taking his skates away or other sensationalistic BS.

I’m not whining. It’s just weird. And this is a discussion board. You know, to discuss things. Zero attachment to this. I simply don’t like inconsistency.

 

[MadeUpName]

I’m not whining. It’s just weird. And this is a discussion board. You know, to discuss things. Zero attachment to this. I simply don’t like inconsistency.

You keep dodging the main point that everybody keeps stating.

The argument that "Miller was a kid" is completely irrelevant if Miller shows no remorse for his actions. Documented by both the victim's family and the court itself. The other two abusers had heartfelt apologies for the victim.

I simply don't like irrationality so I'm pointing that out.

 

[Sens1Canes2]

You keep dodging the main point that everybody keeps stating.

The argument that "Miller was a kid" is completely irrelevant if Miller shows no remorse for his actions. Documented by both the victim's family and the court itself. The other two abusers had heartfelt apologies for the victim.

I simply don't like irrationality so I'm pointing that out.

I get that. He had no remorse at 14. I’m not sure how old he is now…20, 21?

Maybe he doesn’t feel remorse. That’s possible. I guess my opinion on that is, how would anyone know? If there have been other incidents since then, I assume we would know about them. One part (there are others) of having remorse is not doing the same thing again.

It sort of correlates to the Hockey Canada stuff (cough Duke lacrosse cough) and how Batherson hasn’t released a public statement like other players, and therefore he’s guilty as sin. Maybe … maybe not.

Back to Miller … apparently this went on since the 1st grade? Absent all this other stuff … where in the blue hell were any teachers, parents, principals? Geez. Talk about missing everything.

 

[Svechhammer]

I get that. He had no remorse at 14. I’m not sure how old he is now…20, 21?

Maybe he doesn’t feel remorse. That’s possible. I guess my opinion on that is, how would anyone know? If there have been other incidents since then, I assume we would know about them. One part (there are others) of having remorse is not doing the same thing again.

It sort of correlates to the Hockey Canada stuff (cough Duke lacrosse cough) and how Batherson hasn’t released a public statement like other players, and therefore he’s guilty as sin. Maybe … maybe not.

Back to Miller … apparently this went on since the 1st grade? Absent all this other stuff … where in the blue hell were any teachers, parents, principals? Geez. Talk about missing everything.

His only apologies were court ordered, which the judge deemed insincere, and a message on Instagram last week, years after the fact and conveniently a few days before signing a contract with the Bruins.

He doesn't feel remorse. The league and sport do not need people like this, and I'm completely in favor of blacklisting him in particular to send a message.

 

[MinJaBen]

And shows zero remorse for his actions according to both the victim's family and the courts.

If I have my facts correct, he showed no remorse “according to the courts” at 14. Still a dumb ass kid at that point.

And I am aware he hasn’t tried to make contact since until a week ago, but there can be lots of reasons for that. Was he given a court order to stay away? Have no contact? I know that if I had been in a situation where I was embarrassed of what I had done, making contact with the person I had wronged would be hard. And let’s remember he is now only 20. Barely considered an adult, and if you take neuroscience seriously, maybe not even yet.

 

[tarheelhockey]

Was he given a court order to stay away? Have no contact?

He had a restraining order not to be in contact with the victim. Part of the victim’s complaint was that Miller still showed up at school events and still rollerbladed past his house. His one shot at an apology was the court-ordered letter, which the Coyotes produced back when they drafted him.

My issue with what’s going on here is twofold:

1) Calling for a “heartfelt” apology, while also enforcing a no-contact order, and also dismissing any apology attempts because they’re forced by a court or an NHL organization, leaves Miller no way to actually do anything useful to move this whole thing forward. Now he’s stuck in a perpetual state where society is telling him: “Why haven’t you apologized? Speak up, I can’t hear you. Shut up. SHUT UP.”

2) When does this end? He’s already been taken to court and fulfilled the terms of his debt to the victim. He’s lost his college scholarship. He’s sat out a year of junior. He’s had his draft rights relinquished. Now he’s not just ineligible to play in the NHL, but Bettman’s saying he might not ever be eligible. Not only does it seem like overkill to say a 30-year-old man is still ineligible because of a thing he did in 8th grade, but I’m not entirely sure it’s even legal to deny employment on this sort of basis. Certainly not for an organization that has an extremely well documented willingness to hire sex criminals, murderers, etc.

I understand the mother’s rage against Miller, I really do. I’d feel exactly the same way in her shoes, and kudos to her for shouting this stuff loudly enough to claw back some justice for her kid. But I do think we’re now crossing a line into abusing the abuser without any real clear purpose. What is this all supposed to do? Make Miller a better person? Send a message to 8th grade bullies? I’m not seeing it end well if it keeps heading in this direction.

 

[Blueline Bomber]

He had a restraining order not to be in contact with the victim. Part of the victim’s complaint was that Miller still showed up at school events and still rollerbladed past his house. His one shot at an apology was the court-ordered letter, which the Coyotes produced back when they drafted him.

My issue with what’s going on here is twofold:

1) Calling for a “heartfelt” apology, while also enforcing a no-contact order, and also dismissing any apology attempts because they’re forced by a court or an NHL organization, leaves Miller no way to actually do anything useful to move this whole thing forward. Now he’s stuck in a perpetual state where society is telling him: “Why haven’t you apologized? Speak up, I can’t hear you. Shut up. SHUT UP.”

2) When does this end? He’s already been taken to court and fulfilled the terms of his debt to the victim. He’s lost his college scholarship. He’s sat out a year of junior. He’s had his draft rights relinquished. Now he’s not just ineligible to play in the NHL, but Bettman’s saying he might not ever be eligible. Not only does it seem like overkill to say a 30-year-old man is still ineligible because of a thing he did in 8th grade, but I’m not entirely sure it’s even legal to deny employment on this sort of basis. Certainly not for an organization that has an extremely well documented willingness to hire sex criminals, murderers, etc.

I understand the mother’s rage against Miller, I really do. I’d feel exactly the same way in her shoes, and kudos to her for shouting this stuff loudly enough to claw back some justice for her kid. But I do think we’re now crossing a line into abusing the abuser without any real clear purpose. What is this all supposed to do? Make Miller a better person? Send a message to 8th grade bullies? I’m not seeing it end well if it keeps heading in this direction.

Actually, the mother wants what’s best for Miller as well. She wants him to get help, wants him to show true remorse and wants him to have a successful hockey career.

But she doesn’t want him to skip the first two steps just because he’s good at hockey. And that’s apparently what keeps happening.

 

[tarheelhockey]

Actually, the mother wants what’s best for Miller as well. She wants him to get help, wants him to show true remorse and wants him to have a successful hockey career.

But she doesn’t want him to skip the first two steps just because he’s good at hockey. And that’s apparently what keeps happening.

I get the impression that the mother doesn’t give two shits about Miller. She’s advocating for her own child and that’s the extent of her role in this. Which is as it should be.

But again, the bigger picture here is that there is literally nothing Miller could do which would convey “true remorse” in this context. A successful career is off the table when the Commissioner of the NHL is saying he’s not eligible and may not ever be eligible to play, which shuts him out of the development system as well. And while that might be viscerally satisfying from the standpoint of vengeance for the victim, are we actually saying this is how things should work in the world of professional careers?

 

[Navin R Slavin]

So now the AHL is saying that, well, if Miller isn’t eligible for the NHL/is on some sort of suspension list, he may not be eligible for the AHL either.

Boy once the dominoes start to fall, everyone can’t help themselves in some weird race to condemn. Pretty soon Bauer will send a recovery team to take back Miller’s skates - because by god, he doesn’t deserve the chance to play this beautiful game, ever.

For money? Maybe not. Someone has to be willing to pay to see him. There is a threshold, whether you want to admit it or not. Being an asshole, at some point, is bad for business.

I am fully willing to admit that I know nothing about him, or the situation. But I'm willing to bet that someone, closer to the situation, does, and that this decision isn't as arbitrary as it may seem.

 

[Anton Dubinchuk]

He had a restraining order not to be in contact with the victim. Part of the victim’s complaint was that Miller still showed up at school events and still rollerbladed past his house. His one shot at an apology was the court-ordered letter, which the Coyotes produced back when they drafted him.

My issue with what’s going on here is twofold:

1) Calling for a “heartfelt” apology, while also enforcing a no-contact order, and also dismissing any apology attempts because they’re forced by a court or an NHL organization, leaves Miller no way to actually do anything useful to move this whole thing forward. Now he’s stuck in a perpetual state where society is telling him: “Why haven’t you apologized? Speak up, I can’t hear you. Shut up. SHUT UP.”

2) When does this end? He’s already been taken to court and fulfilled the terms of his debt to the victim. He’s lost his college scholarship. He’s sat out a year of junior. He’s had his draft rights relinquished. Now he’s not just ineligible to play in the NHL, but Bettman’s saying he might not ever be eligible. Not only does it seem like overkill to say a 30-year-old man is still ineligible because of a thing he did in 8th grade, but I’m not entirely sure it’s even legal to deny employment on this sort of basis. Certainly not for an organization that has an extremely well documented willingness to hire sex criminals, murderers, etc.

I understand the mother’s rage against Miller, I really do. I’d feel exactly the same way in her shoes, and kudos to her for shouting this stuff loudly enough to claw back some justice for her kid. But I do think we’re now crossing a line into abusing the abuser without any real clear purpose. What is this all supposed to do? Make Miller a better person? Send a message to 8th grade bullies? I’m not seeing it end well if it keeps heading in this direction.

Nicely said, basically my thoughts as well.

 

[bleedgreen]

Why does remorse legally matter? I absolutely agree that he’s a scumbag if he doesn’t have any, but we don’t have any actual proof of that do we? Prostrating yourself on social media is the only way people acknowledge it currently. You can’t assume he doesn’t have any because he didn’t follow through the way people would like to see it these days. That couldn’t possibly hold up legally. If you do the punishment for your crime are you supposed to prove you’re sorry as well?

Im not defending anything he did. I’m just trying to figure out the line, where it is and who gets to apply it. Everyone gets a second chance in our culture.

 

[Sens1Canes2]

I get the impression that the mother doesn’t give two shits about Miller. She’s advocating for her own child and that’s the extent of her role in this. Which is as it should be.

But again, the bigger picture here is that there is literally nothing Miller could do which would convey “true remorse” in this context. A successful career is off the table when the Commissioner of the NHL is saying he’s not eligible and may not ever be eligible to play, which shuts him out of the development system as well. And while that might be viscerally satisfying from the standpoint of vengeance for the victim, are we actually saying this is how things should work in the world of professional careers?

It’s interesting - the NHLPA sent something to Bettman after yesterday’s comment, basically saying “ummm how would you unilaterally decide this person is not eligible to play in the NHL AFTER his contract has been accepted by (i think what’s called) the Central Registry?”

Which brings up something else I don’t like … Navin Slavin said something to the effect of, this decision isn’t as arbitrary as some think. See, I think it absolutely is. It’s reading which way the wind is blowing on social media, seeing which if any sponsors pull back, etc. Thinking the NHL did “research” on this is probably wishful thinking.

Fascinating case study, in the end. Lots to consider.

 

[dogbazinho]

Shitty kid but since when do we decide when shitty people can't have careers. Imagine how many industries would disappear. Better to let him play and give announcers and other teams the green light to call out his shit every 5 minutes.

 

[tarheelhockey]

It’s interesting - the NHLPA sent something to Bettman after yesterday’s comment, basically saying “ummm how would you unilaterally decide this person is not eligible to play in the NHL AFTER his contract has been accepted by (i think what’s called) the Central Registry?”

Which brings up something else I don’t like … Navin Slavin said something to the effect of, this decision isn’t as arbitrary as some think. See, I think it absolutely is. It’s reading which way the wind is blowing on social media, seeing which if any sponsors pull back, etc. Thinking the NHL did “research” on this is probably wishful thinking.

Fascinating case study, in the end. Lots to consider.

I’ll be interested to see how the PA reacts to this as it moves forward. Technically Miller isn’t their member, but this decision blocked his path to membership. I’m not sure there’s ever been a case under the union system where the Commissioner just flat-out stated that so-and-so cannot be an NHL player without any reference to a legal justification.

 

[Svechhammer]

Being in the NHL is a privilege not a right. He's free to continue his hockey career elsewhere, but the NHL is well within their rights to bar someone from entry based on character issues and past legal issues.

And quite frankly, given the countless off ice scandals involving North American hockey right now, I'm not sure it's in anyone's best interests to take the side of the racist bigot who bullied a disabled kid for years just so he can play hockey.

When people say that hockey culture needs to be cleaned up, barring people like this is very much what they're talking about.

 

[the halleJOKEL]

 

[Svechhammer]

Being in the NHL is a privilege not a right. He's free to continue his hockey career elsewhere, but the NHL is well within their rights to bar someone from entry based on character issues and past legal issues.

And quite frankly, given the countless off ice scandals involving North American hockey right now, I'm not sure it's in anyone's best interests to take the side of the racist bigot who bullied a disabled kid for years just so he can play hockey.

When people say that hockey culture needs to be cleaned up, barring people like this is very much what they're talking about.

And I'll double down on this. The Miller and his parents used the fact that he was good at hockey to justify him being able to get away with as much as he did. They used his status within hockey to absolve themselves of consequences for the years of racism and bigotry he displayed toward a disabled kid.

I'm completely fine with the consequences here being that he's never able to see his NHL dream. Actions have consequences, and the NHL doesn't need people like this in it.

 

[Boom Boom Apathy]

I will say though, that I googled this guy today and he looks like a stereotypical bully from a movie or tv show to me.

After reading your post, I went and googled him as well. Wow, did you ever nail it.

 

[WreckingCrew]

It's a lose-lose situation when someone does stuff super-shitty like this... because inevitably 50% want to ruin that person's life (which isn't wrong given what he did over years of abuse), and 50% want to give the person a chance to grow (which also isn't wrong given he was a teenager who may have had a twisted upbringing). We're in a world where people's crimes are more visible, but the "line" drawn to say a person paid for it is invisible and ever-moving. Some people will forgive too easily, some will never. Some people learn and grow, some never do. I don't know what the answer is...years of heavy therapy and psych eval he must complete before consideration? Ban him from professional hockey permanently? How does one "pay" for a crime that's so psychologically based and not something that can be fixed monetarily?