Babcock 'found out yesterday' about Matthews' disorderly conduct charge

Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock said he was not aware of the disorderly conduct charge against forward Auston Matthews until Tuesday.

"I just found out yesterday," Babcock said on Wednesday, according to TSN.

"You're always disappointed. I mean, as the Toronto Maple Leafs we really pride ourselves in doing things right both on the ice and off the ice and treating people (well), so it's an unfortunate situation."

Matthews is a strong candidate to be named the team's next captain. When asked if the incident will impact his ability to be a leader for the team, Babcock said "I don't think so at all."

The charge against Matthews stems from an incident that took place on May 26 in his hometown of Scottsdale, Arizona.

The complainant, a security guard at a Scottsdale condo complex, stated that Matthews and a group of males tried to open her vehicle at 2 a.m as she sat inside doing paperwork.

According to the report, Matthews dropped his pants, bent over, and grabbed his buttocks as he walked away. The complainant said he seemed to keep his underwear on.

The 22-year-old Matthews expressed regret in a statement following the team's skate on Wednesday.

Despite his disappointment, Babcock knows it's his responsibility to support his players as best he can.

"I went to him this morning and this is what I said: 'Are you okay?'

"That's what the coach is here for. I'm here for our players and I'm here to help them become better men and better people and better players."

Matthews is slated to play in the Leafs' preseason contest on Wednesday night against the Montreal Canadiens.