New York Rangers’ K’Andre Miller insists SPIT on LA Kings’ Drew Doughty was ‘completely accidental’

New York Rangers defenseman K’Andre Miller will face an NHL audience after he spat on Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty in a game Sunday night.

Early in the game, at 16:37 into the first period, Miller was seen spitting at Doughty as the Kings skater moved towards him.

According to league rules, any spitting results in an automatic match penalty and ejection, which is then reviewed by NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman.

Miller was thrown off the ice and ejected from the game, one the Rangers held on to win by a score of 5-2.

Miller directly addressed the incident on Twitter Monday, saying he had no intention of spitting on Doughty.

New York Rangers defenseman K’Andre Miller was ejected for spitting at Drew Doughty

Miller later apologized to Doughty (above) saying the incident was unintentional.

“I wanted to take a moment to address what happened at last night’s game,” Miller posted Monday afternoon.

I have all the respect in the world for Drew Doughty and what happened was completely accidental. I would never intend to do something like that on purpose, it goes against everything I am as a person and as a player.

“I felt really bad about that and I’m grateful that Drew gave me the opportunity to apologize and explain myself in person after the game.”

It’s unclear if Miller will receive any more suspensions, although they have been instituted in the past.

At the time of his sending off, Rangers were already leading 1-0 thanks to a goal from Alexis Lafreniere. Two goals from Vincent Trocheck and individual goals from Artemi Panarin and Mika Zibanejad further aggravated the lead.

Garnet Hathaway was suspended for three games while a member of the Washington Capitals for spitting on then-Anaheim Ducks defenseman Erik Gudbranson.

Miller has six goals and 24 assists for 30 points in 60 games so far this season for a Rangers team that ranks third in the Metropolitan Division.

Miller could face additional disciplinary action from the league at a hearing scheduled for this week.