Rangers' K'Andre Miller Apologizes for Spitting on Drew Doughty, Says It Was Accident

New York Rangers defenseman K'Andre Miller apologized on Monday for spitting on the Los Angeles Kings' Drew Doughty during their game Sunday, saying it was an accident and completely unintentional.

Miller was ejected from the game and is facing a hearing for unsportsmanlike conduct.

Multiple reports after Sunday's 5-2 Rangers win also noted that Miller and Doughty spoke.

Regardless, Doughty unsurprisingly wasn't thrilled about getting spit on during the game.

"I was just shocked, obviously," he told reporters. "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]."

The incident came after an offside in the first period, with Miller and Kevin Fiala pushing one another following the whistle. As Doughty approached Miller he was hit by the spit.

Based on past precedence, Miller could be facing a three-game suspension. Garnet Hathaway received such a suspension for spitting on Erik Gudbranson in 2019.

Miller, 23, is in his third season with the Rangers. In 60 games this season he's posted six goals and 24 assists, going plus-one on the year with an average ice time of 21 minutes and 56 seconds.

He played in all 82 games for the team last year. As the Rangers continue to reshuffle the roster ahead of the trade deadline, potentially being without Miller for three games would leave the team's depth chart even thinner.