San Francisco: The San Francisco 49ers on Monday sacked fullback Bruce Miller after he was arrested in connection with an assault on a 70-year-old man and his son.
The 29-year-old, 1.52 metre-tall Miller was reportedly detained by police following an attack on the two men at a hotel in San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf district late Sunday.
Reports said Miller, who weighs 112kg, became violent after attempting to check into the hotel only to be told all the rooms were fully booked.
Miller then began on knocking on room doors in the hotel, rousing an elderly couple. When the couple’s 29-year-old son, staying in a neighboring room, came to their aid, Miller attacked.
When the man’s 70-year-old father attempted to intervene, Miller punched him in the face and broke multiple bones. Both father and son were hospitalised after the incident.
The 49ers reacted swiftly on Monday, first acknowledging the incident in a statement.
“The San Francisco 49ers organization is aware of the media report regarding Bruce Miller,” the statement said. “We are gathering the relevant facts of this matter and will continue to monitor the situation.”
But within a few hours the 49ers had confirmed that Miller had been sacked, announcing tersely: “The 49ers have released Bruce Miller.”
The decision comes after a troubled period for Miller, who was arrested in March last year on suspicion of spousal battery.
He later pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges and was forced to attend a 16-week anti-domestic violence course.
Miller has been with the 49ers since being selected in the seventh round of the 2011 draft. He started eight games last season, finishing with 14 rushing yards and one touchdown on six carries.
