The NHL Department of Player Safety has suspended new york rangers defenseman K’Andre Miller three games for unsportsmanlike conduct after he spat at veteran defenseman Drew Doughty in Sunday’s win over the Los Angeles Kings.
In addition to the suspension, Miller will also lose $15,000 of his salary.
New York Rangers number 79 K’Andre Miller is ejected from the game after being called on a major penalty kick in the first period against the Los Angeles Kings at Madison Square Garden on February 26, 2023 in New York City. York. (Jared Silber/NHLI via Getty Images)
He 23 year old defense he was sent off late in the first period after spitting at Doughty following a scrum behind the net.
RANGERS DEFENDER K’ANDRE MILLER TO HAVE DISCIPLINARY HEARING FOR SPITTING ON KINGS VETERAN DREW DOUGHTY
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.
K’Andre Miller, number 79 of the New York 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)
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
«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». «
Doughty said after the game he was «shocked», adding: «I don’t know if I’ve ever seen that.
Drew Doughty, #8 of the Los Angeles Kings, argues with referee Eric Furlatt, #27, to call New York Rangers’ K’Andre Miller, #79, during the first period at Madison Square Garden on Feb. February 26, 2023 in New York City. (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
New York Rangers defenseman K’Andre Miller, #79, looks on during the second period at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on February 23, 2023. (Brian Bradshaw Sevald-USA TODAY Sports)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Miller’s three-game suspension follows precedent set by boston bruins winger Garnet Hathaway, who was suspended three games in 2019 for intentionally spitting on Erik Gudbranson during a fight.