Insider reveals details behind why Babcock chose to resign as coach of the Blue Jackets

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Mike Armenti
September 18, 2023 (3:34 PM)

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Obviously, the name Mike Babcock has been dominating the airwaves, social media and TV screens for the past week, stemming from allegations made by Spittin' Chiclets co-host Paul Bissonnette regarding Babcock having violated his young players' right to their privacy, going through their phones and pursing their photo albums to learn more about them as people.

Yesterday afternoon, we saw Babcock finally resign from his position in advance of the NHLPA's investigation into the matter having concluded. The Blue Jackets have since issued a statement, as did Babcock, and a new coach has been hired to replace him.

We also learned from Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman this weekend that there was more than meets the eye with what Babcock, Jenner and Gaudreau had shared publicly in their statements. Friedman did some digging and found that multiple sources had revealed that Babcock did indeed cross the line.

"According to multiple sources, one of the most serious concerns was a meeting that occurred away from team facilities that included 'several minutes' of looking through a phone. That was beyond the scope of what was initially understood to have occurred."

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Babcock's resignation came prior to the NHLPA releasing the findings of their investigation, but they did confirm in a subsequent statement that his resignation was the proper course of action, based on the information that they were able to obtain.

Now, with Babcock gone and not likely to ever become eligible to take on an NHL job ever again, we can finally close the book on this saga - until, of course, the next Babcock indiscretion comes to light.

Previously on HockeyUnplugged

Leafs enforcer Ryan Reaves sends a clear message to Radko Gudas and other antagonists around the NHL

Columbus Blue Jackets owners answer question of if the team will fire anyone else

Insider provides an important update about Mike Babcock's coaching career

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SEPTEMBRE 18 \| 759 ANSWERS Insider reveals details behind why Babcock chose to resign as coach of the Blue Jackets Should Mike Babcock have been fired?
Yes, this is invasion of privacy	303	39.9 %
No, it's just woke people canceling someone	242	31.9 %
He should have never had this chance	214	28.2 %
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Insider reveals details behind why Babcock chose to resign as coach of the Blue Jackets

Should Mike Babcock have been fired?