Babcock is reportedly resigning his position after claims were made via the 'Spittin Chiclets' podcast that Babcock had asked to view the Phones of Blue Jackets players, and having them visible on a TV.
Babcock and Columbus Captain Boone Jenner put out a joint statement addressing the allegations, with Babcock saying the move was meant to get a better understanding of the player, getting to know their personal side more. Jenner stated in that statement that he was comfortable with the photos he shared with Babcock.
Prior reporting from Friedman indicated that some younger members of the Blue Jackets felt uncomfortable revealing their personal photos in public to the rest of the team, something in which the NHLPA was looking into, with the league initially accepting of Jenner's original statement of approval, before later learning of discomfort with other players.
Babcock, who was hired to replace Brad Larsen as Head Coach in July, similarly found himself in controversy while in charge of the Toronto Maple Leafs after asking then-rookie Mitch Marner to rank the work ethic of Leafs players from worst to best, later revealing Marner's results to the team. Members of the Detroit Red Wings who played under Babcock as head coach also recounted verbal abuse.
