Mike Babcock, the coach of the National Hockey League (NHL) team, the Columbus Blue Jackets, resigned on Sunday before even coaching a game for his new team. His resignation comes in the wake of numerous allegations that he violated the privacy of his players by asking them to show the photos on their cellphones.
In a released statement, Babcock stated that, after some reflection, being the head coach of the Blue Jackets would be a 'distraction.' He also added that although he was 'disappointed' that he would not be able to finish the work he had already started with the team, it was 'in the best interest' that he ended the association and walked away. He also wished the team all the best for the upcoming season.
The allegations of privacy violations by Babcock initially came to light in a podcast called 'Spittin' Chiclets,' last Tuesday, where former NHL player Paul Bissonnette claimed that the coach had asked the team's captain, Boone Jenner, to show him photos on his phone gallery and then showcase the same on the wall in his office via AirPlay.
Bissonnette even went ahead to state that he got confirmation from multiple players on the team that such an incident also happened with them.
On the same day when the podcast episode was released, both Babcock and Jenner released statements to share their versions of the allegations. Babcock stated that he asked the players and staff to share photos of their family members in a bid to get to know them better. He also added that what was said on the podcast was 'a gross misrepresentation of those meetings and extremely offensive.'
Jenner, in his statement, said that Babcock had asked him about where he was from, about Jenner's family, and other things related to hockey. Jenner further stated that Babcock asked him if he had any photos of his family and that he was 'happy to share some with him.' The coach also offered to share his family photos with him.
Jenner added that the conversation with Babcock was 'a great first meeting,' and they established the start of a good and positive relationship. He also stated that 'To have this blown out of proportion is truly disappointing.'
Last Thursday, members of the National Hockey League Players Association (NHLPA) started an investigation into the allegations. As per the investigation, it was found that some of the players were not comfortable with being asked to show photos to Babcock. It was also revealed that Babcock had been looking at a personal device for a long period of time.
As per reports, an agent for one of the players said that although Babcock was trying to bring some change to the system at the Blue Jackets, he couldn't force this on others. The agent also added that the coach's style of communication was not being welcomed by the younger players on the team.
Babcock's resignation came less than three months after he joined the Blue Jackets in July. On Sunday, the team announced that assistant coach Paul Vincent would be taking over as head coach.
