Mike Babcock has released a statement after stepping down.

In case you've somehow missed the news, Mike Babcock is no longer the head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets.

On Sunday, the long time head coach was forced to step down amid yet another controversy regarding his coaching style and perhaps the last controversy he will ever be a part of in the National Hockey League. Although Babcock resigned from his position you have to believe that he was forced to do so, and as a result this could mark a very ugly end to his NHL career.

No doubt the full details of what exactly transpired will come out at some point, but for now Babcock has tried to get ahead of the bad news and has released a statement regarding today's decision. This time around Babcock has opted to shy away from controversy, releasing a rather generic statement regarding his sudden departure.

"Upon reflection, it has become clear that continuing as head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets was going to be too much of a distraction," wrote Babcock in a statement. "While I'm disappointed to not have had the opportunity to continue the work we've begun, I know it's in the best interest of the organization for me to step away at this time. I wish everyone in the organization well in the upcoming season."

Babcock's tenure as the head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets comes to an end without him so much as coaching a single regular season game for the organization.