NHL issues statement on the accusations against Mike Babcock

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Josh Tupper
September 12, 2023 (5:02 PM)

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Today the Spittin' Chiclets Podcast revealed allegations against Columbus Blue Jackets' coach Mike Babcock. According to Paul Bissonnette, Babcock forced members of his team to show him the photos on their phones. This was reportedly in an attempt 'to get to know his team'.

In the hours since the accusation surfaced the Blue Jackets and NHLPA have both looked into the claims. This afternoon both Mike Babcock and Blue Jackets captain Boone Jenner have put forward statements on the matter.

Mike Babcock

While meeting with our players and staff I asked them to share, off their phones, family pictures as part of the process of getting to know them better. There was absolutely nothing more to it than that.

The way this was portrayed on the Spittin' Chiclets podcast was a gross misrepresentation of those meetings and extremely offensive. These meetings have been very important and beneficial, not only for me but for our players and staff as well, and to have them depicted like this is irresponsible and completely inaccurate.

Boone Jenner

While meeting with Babs he asked me about my family and where I'm from, my upcoming wedding and hockey-related stuff. He then asked if I had pictures of my family and I was happy to share some with him. He showed me pictures of his family. I thought it was a great first meeting and good way for us to start to build a relationship. To have this blown out of proportion is truly disappointing.

Bissonnette responded with a message if his own.

Tell Babs to knock off the bulls*it. Enough with putting guys on the spot in the coaches room asking them to link their phones up to airplay mode and grilling them. I've had tons of players confirm it. Smarten the f*ck up Babs. Shove your statement up his ass.

Finally the NHL issued a statement of their own on the matter. Bill Daly shared the following:

We followed up with the club, and I know the Players' Association has followed up directly with the players.

What was being reported by Paul Bissonette -- or at least his characterizations of what transpired -- isn't consistent with what the players are reporting to the Players' Association, including that none of them felt that the interactions were at all inappropriate or improper.

At this point in time, that's what we know.

At the time the NHL considers this a non-issue.