Former Assistant Says Babcock Was Treated Unfairly in Phone Controversy

Justin Bourne, a Sportsnet radio host who previously worked as a video coach under Mike Babcock with the Toronto Marlies, argued that Babcock was treated unfairly in the Columbus cellphone episode. Bourne recalled that Babcock invited staff to share family photos before a season and said he did not see any bad intent in that practice. Babcock stepped down from the Blue Jackets in September 2023 after reports about requests to view players' phones, and he is now coaching Edmonton.

Justin Bourne, a Sportsnet radio host and former Toronto Marlies video coach from 2015 to 2017, said on the Bleed Oil Blue podcast that Mike Babcock received unfair treatment in the Columbus phone matter. Bourne described a preseason exercise in which staff could use AirPlay to display meaningful phone photos; he shared images of his brother, who uses a wheelchair, and a family cabin.

Bourne said the exercise was meant to help Babcock learn about staff, and he saw no bad intent. Babcock left the Blue Jackets in September 2023 after reports that he asked players to show phone photos; the NHL and NHLPA reviewed the allegations. He now coaches Edmonton.