Don Cherry defends Mike Babcock following Marner incident

There has been a lot of controversy surrounding Mike Babcock and his dismissal from the Toronto Maple Leafs, especially when it was revealed that he’d forced a 19-year-old Mitch Marner to make a list of all the players on the team, singling out the players who he viewed had the worst work ethic. 

Since the incident was made public, many have denounced Babcock, condemning the former head coach for putting Marner through such an ordeal and even accused Babs of trying to put his players against one another.

However, Don Cherry - despite the fact that he does not hold a microphone anymore on Hockey Night in Canada- commented on the situation, defending Babcock’s actions, per Joe Warmington of the Sun. 

According to Grapes, all coaches make mistakes. 

“He shouldn’t have done that with Mitch. I wouldn’t never have put a player in that position but those players bravely commenting now didn’t have the guts to say anything when Babcock was in charge. They are only saying it now that he has no power.”

Context is important, said Cherry.

“He made a mistake. Coaches don’t get every decision right,” said Grapes. “But he thought it was something that would inspire his team and it didn’t work.”

Cherry want people and players to understand that despite making a wrong call with that decision, it does not mean Babcock is a bad coach.

“He had a lot of success,” he said. “I know some may say I am sticking up for a friend but the truth is I don’t know him and have never met him.”

A lot of controversy has now surrounded the Calgary Flames and head coach Bill Peters, who is said to have made racist comments at a player in the past.

We wonder if Grapes will have something to say about that.