Investigation officially opened into Mike Babcock's conduct

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Josh Tupper
September 12, 2023 (1:36 PM)

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This morning, allegations surfaced against Columbus head coach Mike Babcock. It took less then a couple of hours but now the NHLPA and Blue Jackets both say they are looking into the situation to determine exactly what happened.

According to Paul Bissonnette of Spittin' Chiclets, a player from the Jackets sent him a text stating that Babcock had been asking to see players' phones, and then AirPlaying their photos to a screen located in his office.

"He calls in Boone Jenner, the Captain of the team, and says 'let me see the photos in your phone. I want to know the type of person you are.'" - Paul Bisonnette

According to Aaron Portzline of The Athletic, the Blue Jackets are aware of the claims and are investigating them. Neither Babcock or Jenner have responded for comment.

Told that the NHL players' association is looking into the Babcock allegations as put forth by the Spittin' Chiclets podcast.

Babcock just returned to the NHL in July for the first time since he was fired by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2019. When he was fired, several stories of alleged mistreatment of players from Babcock's career surfaced.

Babcock has since claimed he's changed, adding he knows he made mistakes. It would be a huge shock is Babcock was reprimanded, or possibly even fired, before ever coaching a game in Columbus.