Ex-Maple Leafs Coach Mike Babcock Deems Spittin' Chiclets Podcast Characterization 'Extremely Offensive'
Babcock and Blue Jackets captain Boone Jenner say the story told on the podcast is a “gross misrepresentation.”
Mike Babcock and Columbus Blue Jackets captain Boone Jenner have officially weighed in on an allegation into the former Toronto Maple Leafs head coaching methods.
Babcock and Jenner released a joint statement from the Blue Jackets directly responding to Paul Bissonette, host of the Spittin' Chiclets podcast, who revealed an alleged incident where the head coach asked to see photos on the captain's phone.
“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," Babcock said in a statement.
"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.”
Jenner said it was "disappointing" that this situation was blown out of proportion.
“While meeting with Babs he asked me about my family and where I’m from, my upcoming wedding and hockey-related stuff," Jenner said. "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.”
The team is responding to a detailed account of Babcock's meeting with Jenner. Babcock was announced as the new head coach of the Blue Jackets on July 1. The 60-year-old coach has come under fire from former players in the past for his coaching style. When taking his most recent job, Babcock said his approach would change and asked players to help hold him to account.
In this case, Jenner has come out in support of his new coach.
Bissonette is still sticking to his account of the events. The Athletic's Aaron Portzline says the NHLPA is investigating the incident.
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