For Offensive Immigrants Comments, Hockey Pundit Don Cherry Gets Fired

"Following further discussions with Don Cherry after Saturday night’s broadcast, it has been decided it is the right time for him to immediately step down. During the broadcast, he made divisive remarks that do not represent our values or what we stand for," Sportsnet president Bart Yabsley said Monday in a statement.

Published: 星期一,11月 11, 2019 22:37 下午 GMT-07:00

Kunal Kothari

Don Cherry is undoubtedly one of the most prolific names in the world of hockey, where he has been a pundit for several years and was also a professional t ice hockey player there back then. He is best known for hollering and high collars as the co-host of the "Coach's Corner" segment on Hockey Night in Canada.

Cherry has now been fired by the local sports channel Sportsnet for 'offensive' comments on immigrants.

"Following further discussions with Don Cherry after Saturday night’s broadcast, it has been decided it is the right time for him to immediately step down. During the broadcast, he made divisive remarks that do not represent our values or what we stand for," Sportsnet president Bart Yabsley said Monday in a statement.

His sudden departure follows the NHL and Sportsnet on Sunday condemning as "offensive" comments from Cherry to mark Remembrance Day on Nov. 11. "You people love — they come here, whatever it is — you love our way of life, you love our milk and honey. The least you could pay is a couple of bucks for a poppy or something like that. These guys pay for your way of life that you enjoy in Canada. These guys pay the biggest price," Cherry, 85, said during his first-intermission show, which is the highest-rated seven minutes on Canadian TV."
Don is synonymous with hockey and has played an integral role in growing the game over the past 40 years. We would like to thank Don for his contributions to hockey and sports broadcasting in Canada," Yabsley added in his short statement.

MacLean, who was Cherry's co-host had come under fire on social media for sitting silently by on camera while Cherry delivered his tirade against Canadian newcomers, on Sunday night took to Twitter to apologize for not calling out his colleague on air.

"I want to sincerely apologize to our viewers and Canadians. During last night's broadcast, Don made comments that were hurtful and prejudiced and I wish I had handled myself differently. It was a divisive moment and I am truly upset with myself for allowing it," said MacLean, who has worked with Cherry for 30 years.