Who cares why Cody's father did or didn't do, unless he plays for the Sabres it doesn't matter. As far as it being an issue for the Sabres going forward, there is no reason Darcy even needs to talk to the guy. If he becomes too persistent, don't take his calls, don't schedule a meeting with the man. Who is he to dictate anything.
I agree that if Gilles let himself get pushed around by a player they drafted and his father, that was his fault. If he chose to take it, it's on him. Either he was OK with it or he wasn't but he is the one that let it go one for 3-4 years.