San Francisco 49ers

Bruce Miller Arrest: The 49ers Are Justified in Releasing Their Former Tight End

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The San Francisco 49ers announced the release of tight end Bruce Miller after his second arrest in less than two years. Despite Miller’s unique abilities on the field, his off-the-field issues have become a major distraction the Niners don’t need. This justifies the release.

San Francisco 49ers tight end Bruce Miller was arrested at a San Francisco hotel Monday morning for allegedly punching a 70-year-old man in the face during a dispute over a hotel room.

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Bay Area news station KTVU first reported the incident and arrest, and Miller was apparently under the influence of alcohol.

Quick to avoid the distraction, the 49ers subsequently released Miller later on September 5. News of the transaction was first reported on the team’s website.

For the Niners, this is exactly what the team needed to do. Miller was arrested on charges of spousal battery in March of 2015. He eventually pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge of disturbing the peace. But the incident marks the second time in which the former fullback has been arrested for some sort of physical altercation.

Miller does have a unique skill set. There isn’t any question there. Miller moved from being a defensive lineman in college to a fullback after San Francisco drafted him in Round 7 of the 2011 NFL Draft.

And Miller switched to tight end this offseason, since new head coach Chip Kelly doesn’t utilize fullbacks in his offense.

Miller’s reliability as a pass-catcher and, likely, as an H-back this season doesn’t mean San Francisco should put up with these types of distractions.

Keep in mind the Niners are going through a major overhaul of their roster. 2016 is a first step in a rebuilding phase.

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Teams may be inclined to keep players in spite of such instances if they are notable contributors on the field in one way or another. It’s kind of like some sort of tolerance equation for off-the-field incidents versus on-field talent.

But, for San Francisco, Miller is an attribute the team doesn’t need as it makes this transition. Keep in mind, the franchise dealt with a lot of flack for its handling of former linebacker Aldon Smith and his troubles a few years ago.

The Niners don’t want to make the same mistake twice.

All statistics, records and accolades courtesy of ESPN.com, Pro-Football-Reference.com and Sports-Reference.com unless otherwise indicated.

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