Commie vs Babs: Mike Commodore Reacts to Babcock Resignation
Following Mike Babcock’s resignation as head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets on Sunday, long-term foe Mike Commodore has not held back with his criticism of his former boss.
Babcock, 60, has stepped down from the role after just two months following reports earlier this week of him asking players to show photos on their phones.
Shortly after an investigation by the NHL Players’ Association into his conduct, the Blue Jackets announced Babcock’s departure, much to the delight of Bodog ambassador Commodore.
Speaking on Bodog’s Clearing the Crease podcast, the former Stanley Cup winner didn’t hold back with his scathing criticism of the disgraced Babcock.
“I’m actually disturbed by how happy I was when I heard this,” he admitted. “This has been a long time coming, not just for me. My experiences were nothing like this, going through phones. He just screwed me.”
Answering questions from podcast host James Cybulski, “Commie” wasn’t done there.
“Mike Bakcock is a scumbag. Mike Babcock is a predator. He has been that way his entire career.
“In my opinion, today is a big day for the NHL, the hockey world in general. This guy has given coaching clinics, I hope all this stuff is done. This guy has been a predator from the word go.
“There are so many former players, coaches that were under him, equipment managers, parking attendants that are thrilled with this. He’s finally got exactly what he deserved today.”
Commodore, who won the 2007 IIHF World Championship with Canada, expressed his concern for just how damaging Babcock’s actions could have been.
“With Babs it is all about power and intimidation. It’s one of two things. If I wanted to see your family – if you wanted to – you’d show me a picture. I’m not grabbing your phone, telling you to unlock it, scrolling through your camera roll.
“I’ve had a little bit of pushback on this. He started doing this at development camp. Let’ say I’m at the development camp, Babs does this to me. He’s scrolling through my phone. What if I’m gay? I haven’t come out, I haven’t told my parents, I haven’t told my teammates.
“And now I’ve got Mike Babcock, the head coach of the Colombus Blue Jackets, and he sees me holding hands with my boyfriend, or kissing me.
“That is an atrocity. There is no defending that. It’s a power and intimidation move, and that’s it.”
Also speaking on Bodog’s Clearing the Crease podcast, former Toronto Maple Leafs and Boston Bruins star Andrew Raycroft spoke of his relief to see the game changing for the better.
He added: “It’s very evident from this week how much under current hate there was for this guy. It’s a great day for hockey in that the culture is changing. The players have a voice.”
The Clearing the Crease podcast is back on Bodog’s YouTube channel for another season of NHL action, with our experts on hand to provide reaction to all the latest news from the ice.