<
>

Bruce Miller missing voluntary workouts

Fullback Bruce Miller, who was arrested on suspicion of spousal abuse last month, is not taking part in the first phase of the San Francisco 49ers' voluntary offseason workout program, general manager Trent Baalke told reporters Friday.

Miller was "at home in Georgia, taking care of business," Baalke said. The four-year veteran was arrested March 5 in Santa Clara, California.

"They don't have to be here at this stage in the season," Baalke said. "We sat down with Bruce and feel it's very important for him to handle this situation, and once it's handled, we'll move on from there."

Miller has yet to be formally charged as an investigation into the matter continues.

As far as the Niners' offseason is concerned, the only mandatory program the team will have before training camp is a three-day minicamp June 9-11. The Niners began the first phase of their offseason training program April 7.

The 49ers drew intense criticism last year in allowing defensive tackle Ray McDonald to play after an August arrest on domestic violence charges. They did cut him in December for what the team described as a pattern of poor behavior, in the wake of his being investigated in a sexual assault complaint, after the Niners were eliminated from the playoff race.