New York Rangers defenceman K’Andre Miller has been suspended three games for spitting at Los Angeles Kings defenceman Drew Doughty during their game on Sunday, the NHL’s Department of Player Safety announced Tuesday.
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The ruling was handed down after Miller released a statement saying the action was “completely accidental.” He also said he apologized to Doughty after the game.
“I have all the respect in the world for Drew Doughty and what happened was completely accidental,” Miller said. “I would never intend to do something like that on purpose, it goes against everything I am as a person and player.
“I felt awful about it and I am thankful Drew gave me the opportunity to apologize and explain myself in person after the game.”
Miller was given a match penalty and ejected for the incident late in the first period.
Doughty said he was caught off guard after the game.
“I was just shocked obviously,” Doughty said. “I don’t even know if I said anything to him after. 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’ve seen. It’s unfortunate.
“Whether or not he meant to do it, I have no idea. It’s pretty big loogie on my face, so I was pretty (miffed).”
– with files from AP
