from Ian Mendes of The Athletic,

Babcock announced his surprising resignation from the Blue Jackets on Sunday in the wake of allegations that he perused players’ private pictures on their cellphones by viewing them on a big-screen TV using the AirPlay application.

At best, Babcock’s method could be characterized as a coach trying to learn more about his players off the ice. At worst, it was an abhorrent invasion of privacy.

In reality, it probably landed somewhere in between: an awkward and clumsy attempt to relate to players that ultimately left some of them feeling uncomfortable.

If this story surfaced with most coaches around the league, it probably wouldn’t rise to this level of notoriety. But this is what happens when you arrive at the doorstep of another NHL job with heavy baggage in tow. You have earned the right for absolutely no wiggle room.

Babcock’s sudden divorce from Columbus comes at a time when a handful of others seeking a second chance in the hockey world — like Joel Quenneville, Stan Bowman and Bill Peters — are in the spotlight.

Will Babcock’s rapid implosion with the Blue Jackets serve as a warning for other teams looking to hire a coach or executive with a checkered past? If the standard is utter perfection — without an opportunity for the slightest misstep — then why bother going down this road?

But maybe we’re asking the wrong questions here.

Instead of asking whether or not these coaches and executives deserve second chances, we need to start asking how they are getting these second chances. And more importantly, who is giving them out?

more ($)