Former ESPN NFL Draft analyst and Joplin native Matt Miller has been charged with a misdemeanor stemming from a serious car crash that resulted in him losing an arm.
Miller is charged with failing to drive on the right half of a roadway when the roadway was of sufficient width, resulting in an accident, according to court documents filed in Jasper County on Aug. 10.
Miller was traveling east on Missouri Route 96 in Jasper County on June 17 when his 2023 Ford Bronco crossed the center line and struck the front driver's side of a semi tractor-trailer, according to the crash report. He was airlifted to Mercy Hospital in Joplin for treatment, where he underwent a "life-saving" amputation of his left arm.
He is scheduled to appear in court on Sept.
21.
What is the punishment for driving the wrong way?
Under Missouri law, driving on the wrong side of the road or highway is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by up to 15 days in jail and/or a fine up to $750. If the violation "causes an immediate threat of an accident," the offense is upgraded to a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail and/or a fine up to $1,000.
But if the violation results in an accident — as is the case with Miller — it becomes a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a fine up to $2,000.
Missouri Attorney General investigates Matt Miller
The misdemeanor charge comes a month after the Missouri Attorney General's Office announced it has opened an investigation into Miller amid allegations of possible financial fraud.
After Miller disclosed the accident on social media, his family started a GoFundMe to help with his medical costs. But the GoFundMe was paused after many online users began calling out Miller for alleged past financial improprieties involving fantasy football leagues, paid scouting lessons and charitable efforts.
Attorney General Catherine Hanaway said her office received dozens of complaints from Missourians that Miller had failed to deliver product — or had provided "minimal product" — to individuals who had paid for camps or to join fantasy football leagues he ran.
Matt Miller leaves ESPN
Miller announced in July that he was "stepping away indefinitely" from ESPN as he focuses on his recovery from his injuries.
"The surgery to remove my left arm was successful with hopes of an eventual prosthetic replacement," Miller said. "Similarly, the femur and patella surgeries were also successful and the fantastic surgery team was able to save my left leg."
He ended the post by thanking his well-wishers for their thoughts and prayers.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Matt Miller, ex-ESPN analyst, charged following serious car accident
