Quoting: LeafsForLife
Thanks for the info. In that case, I think if the player was uncomfortable with the request, he should’ve told Babcock no. If the player complied, or said no and Babcock backed off, but complained to the media, I think that the player would be in the wrong. However, if the player said no, but Babcock insisted, I think the player has a leg to stand on. I still think it was blown way out of proportion though, what about you?
Without all the facts it's a tough call to make. These kids are alone in the room with their new head coach. The power-dynamic is completely shifted in favor of the coach. If the sharing of photos with Jenner (a 30-year old NHL "legacy" player with 11 years experience, team captain, NHLPA team representative, and a member of the NHLPA Executive Board) came up naturally in conversation it was as close of between "peers" in power dynamics that you can find. Perhaps Jenner felt that sharing his phone photos impromptu IS a testament to what type of "man he is" and agrees with that philosophy.
If after that, Babcock was emboldened with the idea and then basically went down the line with all the players including young players that are fighting for a roster spot under new coach, new system. Perhaps a 19 year old from a less than privileged family, or a foreign country, does not feel the same at all. The power dynamic is not the same thing anymore. They NEED the coach to like them so they get playing time. Perhaps one of them has photos that he absolutely DOES NOT want to share. If Babcock tells him: "C'mon everyone is doing this to prove what type of man you are; even your captain says so" this is basically a threat to another player. This could be a type of hazing.
If all of it was innocent and above board, the players should have been told in advance. The Coach wants you all to meet with him and get to know each other; he would like for you to share with him any photos of family, friends, vacations, hobbies, pets, etc to get to know you better and he'll do the same; please be prepared in advance.
Doing it the way it was done COULD have been the recipe for disaster.
We don't know the facts, but I know my 19 and 21 year old nieces and nephews might agree to it and then regret it later or feel that it was a violation; but felt powerless to refuse at the time.
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