Coach Mike Babcock labels Paul Bissonnette’s allegation as ‘gross misinterpretation’ denying claim that he forced players to show phones

Paul Bissonnette’s allegation against Blue Jackets coach Mike Babcock gets internet attention as the story blows up forming different angles.

Coach Mike Babcock labels Paul Bissonnette’s allegation as ‘gross misinterpretation’ denying claim that he forced players to show phones

Mike Babcock and Paul Bissonnette [Image Credit: Imago]

Paul Bissonnette and Mike Babcock’s allegation war fired up the internet as claims of forcing players to show their phones lightened up NHL media. According to the TV analyst and host of “Spittin’ Chiclets” an anonymous player tipped off that the Columbus Blue Jackets coach has been asking players to show their phones and even putting them on the big screen.

The claim was firmly denied by Babcock who said that Bissonnette’s projection of the matter was just a “gross misinterpretation of those meetings and extremely offensive.” He stated that he asks players for their phones, but only “as part of the process of getting to know them better.”

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NHLPA further looked into the matter and declared that it was only blown out of proportion and there was no illegality in it. They further said that upon investigation no negative statements were made by any players on this matter. Johnny Gaudreau and captain Boone Jenner spoke positively on the matter.

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They went as far as to state that showing their phones and talking about their family with Mike Babcock has proved to be positive rather than how negatively it was portrayed by the “Spittin’ Chiclets” podcast. Bissonnette on the other hand said that he had enough proof, claiming that “the player who texted me said he has about 20 stories” more on Babcock’s offensive attitude.

Related: Connor McDavid’s game-changing SHOWDOWN once sent Paul Bissonnette into retirement; the moment that shaped hockey history forever

Blue Jackets coach Mike Babcock calls Paul Bissonnette’s claim “extremely offensive”

Mike Babcock [Image Credit: Daily Faceoff]
Mike Babcock [Image Credit: Daily Faceoff]

Paul Bissonnette stated that not only did the players give their phones to the coach Mike Babcock but also brought it up on a flatscreen to show everyone present in the room. According to Babcock, he only wanted their phones to know them better by going through their family photos.

He labeled the allegation as “irresponsible and completely inaccurate” of the podcast to openly talk about the matter without confirming it first. Jenner vouched for their coach stating their first encounter as a positive one. “I thought it was a great first meeting…to have this blown out of proportion is truly disappointing.”

Bissonnette firmly went on to say that he has “tons of players confirm” the events that he has described. In the past, Babcock had his fair share of shady events stacked in his portfolio according to reports. In 2019, Mitch Marner confirmed that the coach asked him to rate players according to their work ethic which was unexpectedly showcased to everyone in the team.

Even Chris Chelios claimed on the “Spittin’ Chiclets” podcast that Babcock once berated Johan Franzen. His berating resulted in the Red Wings forward’s nervous breakdown during the 2012 playoffs. Fans are expecting further updates on the story as this has gone both ways as of now.

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