Columbus Blue Jackets and Mike Babcock issue statement on the accusations against him

Earlier today the crew from Spittin' Chiclets Podcast brought forward acquisition against Columbus Blue Jackets' coach Mike Babcock. According to Paul Bissonnette, Babcock had forced players to show him the photos on his phone in an attempt to get to know the players.

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

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.

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.

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.

Previously on Bladeofsteel

Carey Price comments on his future as Montreal Canadiens could reportedly look to trade him this season

NHL Owner Accused of Horribly Racist Statement in New Lawsuit

Columbus Already Investigating Allegations Involving New Coach Mike Babcock

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12 SEPTEMBRE \| 237 ANSWERS Columbus Blue Jackets and Mike Babcock issue statement on the accusations against him Who do you believe?
Paul Bissonnette	110	46.4 %
Mike Babcock	67	28.3 %
Neither	60	25.3 %
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