Babcock releases statement after today's accusations

UPDATE: Both Babcock and Jenner have released statements through the Blue Jackets' social media.

Read below for our earlier report on this developing story.

Veteran NHL coach Mike Babcock is once again in hot water due to his over the top head games.

ON the latest episode of the Spittin' Chiclets podcast, co-host Paul Bissonnette relayed a story in which Babcock demanded that Columbus Blue Jackets captain Boone Jenner hand over his iPhone to Babcock so that Babcock could check out Jenner's photos to 'find out what type of person' Jenner is.

From Chiclets:

Are. You. FREAKING. Kidding me!?!?!?

Imagine you get kicked out of the NHL and essentially cancelled from the entire hockey world because you employ stupid, archaic head game tactics with your players... only to make your comeback and then fall back on the same old tricks. I mean, come ON, Babs.

I'm all for old school tactics and holding your players accountable, but this is just nonsense. You want to get to know your captain? How about you sit down with him and engage with him like a human being? Maybe even catch a meal or a few beers together. You're going to learn a lot more about a person by engaging with them than you will by checking out photos of his wife and kids.

Blue Jackets insider Aaron Portzline of The Athletic reports that the Blue Jackets are aware of the alleged incident with Jenner and that they're investigating the matter internally.

More to come on this developing story.