49ers cut TE Bruce Miller after reports of arrest
The San Francisco 49ers released tight end Bruce Miller on Monday, just hours after he was arrested for assaulting two men.
Miller was charged with aggravated assault, elder abuse, threats and battery after an early-morning fight at a San Francisco hotel, according to the San Francisco Police Department. Miller was booked into county jail.
The police said they were called to the hotel at approximately 2:45 a.m. after Miller tried to enter a hotel room occupied by an elderly couple. The couple’s 29-year-old son, staying in the next room, then told Miller he was at the wrong room. Miller, who was intoxicated at the time, attacked the son and his 70-year-old father, who came to his son’s defense, police said.
The father was punched by Miller and both men were taken to the hospital for their injuries, police said.
KTVU-TV first reported the arrest.
The Niners initially said they were investigating the situation, then released Miller.
This is the second time Miller had a run-in with the law. In March 2015, Miller was arrested after he was accused of shoving his ex-fiancee and destroying her cellphone during an argument in Santa Clara. Miller pleaded no contest to the misdemeanor charge of disturbing the peace, and was required to attend a 16-week anti-domestic-violence counseling course.
Miller joined the 49ers in 2011 as a fullback after playing defensive end in college. He was a key part of San Francisco’s teams that went to three straight NFC title games and one Super Bowl in his first three years. In 77 games over five seasons, has 62 yards rushing on 28 carries, adding 76 catches for 734 yards.
He moved to tight end this season under new coach Chip Kelly, who does not use a fullback in his offense. Miller made the team as the fourth tight end behind Vance McDonald, Garrett Celek and Blake Bell.
Miller’s agent and lawyer, Jack Reale, said he was still gathering information Monday. Miller also did not respond immediately to a text message seeking comment.
Earlier Monday, the 49ers signed running back DuJuan Harris to a one-year contract and placed cornerback Will Redmond on injured reserve. The move gives the Niners a fourth running back as insurance with starter Carlos Hyde still in the concussion protocol after getting hurt in the third preseason game.
Harris had 27 carries for 140 yards and nine catches for 97 yards in two games with San Francisco last season. He was cut Saturday.
Redmond was drafted in the third round out of Mississippi State despite tearing his ACL in practice in October. He played in the final two exhibition games this summer. He will be eligible to return after sitting out at least six weeks and then practicing for two weeks.
The Niners also claimed defensive tackle Taylor Hart off waivers from Philadelphia and waived safety L.J. McCray. McCray had been traded Saturday to Seattle for an undisclosed draft pick pending a physical. But he failed the physical and was sent back to San Francisco.
San Francisco also added receiver Chris Harper to the practice squad.
