In November 2019, the Toronto “Maple Leafs”, which experienced six losses in a row, fired Mike Babcock from the position of head coach, but in the following months, news appeared about his negative attitude towards hockey players from different stages of their careers. Former Detroit Red Wings forward Johan Fransen said: “He’s a great coach, but a terrible person. The most terrible I’ve ever met. He psychologically attacks people.”
After Babcock was confirmed as the head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets in early July, he said in a press conference that he has learned from his mistakes and made a decision over the course of three years. However, even before the start of the training camp, Babcock managed to get involved in a new scandal.
On the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast, former NHL forward Paul Bissonnette said Babcock called Columbus captain Boone Jenner into his office and demanded access to his phone in order to connect the phone to a television in the trainers’ room and view a gallery of pictures, thus violating the hockey player’s right to privacy.
In a statement released by the Blue Jackets, Babcock denied the allegations and said he only wanted to see pictures of Jenner’s family to get to know the team captain better.
Babcock is the only coach who has reached the Three Golden Club – became the Olympic and world champion and won the Stanley Cup.
Mike Babcock has allegedly been asking various Blue Jackets to see their phones then AirPlaying their photos on his office TV.
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— Spittin’ Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) September 12, 2023
Columbus Blue Jackets Head Coach Mike Babcock and center Boone Jenner have released the following statement:
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— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) September 12, 2023
Resources used:
https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/columbus-blu…
