new york rangers Defenseman K’Andre Miller apologized Monday for spitting on Los Angeles Kings veteran Drew Doughty during Sunday’s game at Madison Square Garden, calling it «completely accidental.»
But despite his apology, Miller still faces a possible suspension after the NHL Department of Player Safety He said he will hold a hearing to consider supplemental discipline.
K’Andre Miller of the Rangers skates with the puck against the Los Angeles Kings at Madison Square Garden on February 26, 2023 in New York City. (Jared Silber/NHLI via Getty Images)
Miller received a match penalty and was automatically sent off from the game at the end of the first period after video review showed him spitting at Doughty following a minor scrum.
RANGERS’ K’ANDRE MILLER SENT OFF FOR SPITTING ON VETERAN NHL DEFENDER DREW DOUGHTY IN WIN OVER KINGS
He issued a statement on social media Monday, explaining that it was never his intention to spit on Doughty.
«I have all the respect in the world for Drew Doughty and what happened was completely accidental,» Miller wrote in the statement posted on Twitter.
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«I would never intend to do something like that on purpose, it goes against everything I am as a person and a player. I felt really bad about it and I’m grateful that Drew gave me the opportunity to apologize and explain myself in person after the game. game». «
The NHL’s Department of Player Safety announced plans to hold a hearing Monday.
K’Andre Miller was handed a match penalty and automatically sent off from the game at the end of the first period after video review showed him spitting at Drew Doughty following a minor scrum. (Jared Silber/NHLI via Getty Images)
«The following grounds are being considered for supplemental discipline: Unsportsmanlike conduct. However, the Department of Player Safety reserves the right to make adjustments to the violation upon review,» reported NHL.com.
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Doughty said immediately after Sunday’s game that, accident or not, he was «shocked.»
Drew Doughty of the Los Angeles Kings argues with a referee during the Rangers game at Madison Square Garden on February 26, 2023 in New York City. (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
«I don’t even know if I told him anything afterwards. You don’t want to see things like that in this game. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen that. I’m sure it has happened.» not that I have seen. It’s unfortunate.»
He continued: «Whether I intended to do it or not I have no idea. It’s pretty big on my face so I was pretty (upset).»
Associated Press contributed to this report.