The forum won't seem to allow quoting a post right now, so speaking specifically to
nobles_point post #221.
I've heard Burke speak about this Bobcock Anaheim situation 5 or 6 times now, but never this particular explanation.
Every time I've hear him tell it (Toronto radio, Calgary radio, etc...) he notes that their preferred style of game play were different. Babcock preferred softer teams while Burke preferred a meaner style of play. He knew Detroit had talked to Babcock (he joked about tampering each time) and told Babcock he should go with Detroit if they give him a good deal. If not, Burke would have brought him back to Anaheim.
I've never heard Burke talk about Babcock playing with players heads. I'm curious if Burke is adjusting his narrative to get on the better side of the Babcock story.