Major update into the investigation of Mike Babcock

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Josh tupper
September 14, 2023 (12:54)

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Earlier this week allegations broke against Mike Babcock. According to the crew of the Spittin' Chiclets Podcast, Babcock had been forcing players to show him what was on their phone and then casting it to a monitor in his office. Since the allegations arose both Babcock and Blue Jackets' captain Boone Jenner, have both denied the allegations.

Instead Babcock and Jenner have shared this is just a learning exercise. Babcock claimed this was a learning tool he uses to get to know his players. That explanation didn't go over well with some people. Now according to sources the NHLPA is also unhappy with this answer.

Today reports surfaced that both Marty Walsh and Ron Hainsey of the NHLPA have physically traveled to Columbus, likely a bad sign for Babcock. Katie Strang of ESPN provided the following update:

As @FriedgeHNIC first reported, exec director Marty Walsh and asst. exec director Ron Hainsey are in Columbus to meet with the Blue Jackets team about the recent allegations against Mike Babcock relating to players' personal devices/ photos.

Given that the NHLPA traveled to Columbus to meet in person w/ the team on this, it's fair to assume concerns about the alleged conduct have escalated. Also reasonable to expect the union will canvas players from Babcock's previous stops to assess whether this happened before.

It is likely this investigation is far from over and if information surfaces against Babcock it's very possible this could be the end of his coaching career.