Report - Multiple Columbus Blue Jackets players come forward against Mike Babcock
Earlier this week, the Spittin' Chiclets podcast made waves through the hockey world, accusing Mike Babcock of going through players' private photos to form his own understanding of what kind of men they are.
The Columbus Blue Jackets organization and their captain Boone Jenner quickly released a statement denying any sort of bizarre psychological games from Babcock, but an investigation was launched quickly by the NHLPA, and new details are supporting the claims made by Spittin' Chiclets.
According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, some of the younger Blue Jackets' players felt uncomfortable with the interaction with Babcock, presumably for having their privacy violated, or from their new coach unfairly forming opinions on them based on their camera roll. TSN's Katie Strang confirmed these new details, and reported that Babcock will meet with the NHL's office in New York tomorrow, where the NHLPA will address these claims in context of Babcock's previous allegations from former players.
For now it may seem like a meeting to discuss a brief investigation, but Mike Babcock could potentially be walking into an NHLPA trial tomorrow from the sounds of it. After departing the Maple Leafs several years ago and the stories of psychological abuse that followed, including those from former players, it seemed like Babcock may never coach again now in an age where an NHL team is thought of as any other workplace. Things had to go perfectly for him in Columbus for a national media storm not to follow him, and yet before training camp has begun, Babcock has already caught more allegations.
| POLL | ||
Should Mike Babcock still be coaching the Blue Jackets? | ||
| No, put him on a leave during the investigation | 30 | 26.3 % |
| He should be fired | 42 | 36.8 % |
| Innocent until proven guilty | 42 | 36.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
