Mike Babcock already facing accusations of inappropriate behavior in Columbus

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Josh Tupper
September 12, 2023 (11:04)

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When the Columbus Blue Jackets made the announcement that they were hiring Mike Babcock as their next head coach, there was a lot of surprise from fans. The Blue Jackets are a young team, filled with promising and talent and given Babcock's past this didn't feel like a good fit.

Multiple players have come out and shared their negative experiences with Babcock. One of the last straws in Toronto was when Babcock forced a young Mitch Marner to rank his teammates effort, and he proceeded to share the list with the rest of the team.

Since his hiring, Babcock has stated his intent to ensure the mental health of his players. While that sounds good in nature, making those changes is easier said than done.

On the most recent episode of the Spittin' Chiclets Podcast Paul Bissonnette shared he received a text from a player sharing Babcock's latest antics.

I get a text from a player and he goes, have you heard what Babcock is up to again? And I'm like 'no'. So he gets to Columbus and one of the first things he does is he calls in Boone Jenner, the captain of the f***ing team and he says 'let me see the photos in your phone. I want to know the type of person you are.'

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Biz goes on and grills Babcock actions while informing the coach of what he should actually be concerned with. It seems like Babcock may not have learned as much as the Jackets had hoped.

Previously on HockeyUnplugged

Winnipeg Jets make a shocking selection in naming the team's new captain

Clayton Keller responds to rumours that he was nearly traded to the Maple Leafs this summer

Canadiens reporting that one star forward has not yet been cleared to play

POLL
SEPTEMBRE 12 \| 435 ANSWERS Mike Babcock already facing accusations of inappropriate behavior in Columbus Is looking at players photos appropriate for a Head Coach?
Absolutely not	206	47.4 %
Yes, he's trying to learn about his players	35	8 %
If the player doesn't mind, sure	75	17.2 %
Babcock should have never been hired	119	27.4 %
List of polls

Mike Babcock already facing accusations of inappropriate behavior in Columbus

When the Columbus Blue Jackets made the announcement that they were hiring Mike Babcock as their next head coach, there was a lot of surprise from fans. The Blue Jackets are a young team, filled with promising and talent and given Babcock's past this didn't feel like a good fit.

Is looking at players photos appropriate for a Head Coach?