Sportsnet fires Don Cherry over controversial comments about immigrants

Bret Gibson | Monday, November 11, 2019 4:05 p.m.

In May 2009, Don Cherry, announcer on CBC’s “Hockey Night in Canada,” arrives for Game 2 of the Stanley Cup finals between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Detroit Red Wings in Detroit.

Sportsnet has severed ties with longtime “Hockey Night in Canada” broadcaster Don Cherry.

On Saturday, the 85-year-old Cherry criticized immigrants in Toronto and Mississauga, Canada, for not honoring veterans and dead soldiers by wearing poppies for Remembrance Day, which was observed Monday.

Don Cherry will no longer be on Hockey Night In Canada. MORE: https://t.co/7JDELoFngC pic.twitter.com/mICqVV2OW5

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) November 11, 2019

“You people … you love our way of life, you love our milk and honey, at least you can pay a couple bucks for a poppy or something like that,” Cherry said on the “Coach’s Corner” segment. “These guys paid for your way of life that you enjoy in Canada, these guys paid the biggest price.”

Sportsnet apologized Sunday for the remarks, but on Monday the channel decided to let Cherry go.

“Sports brings people together — it unites us, not divides us,” Sportsnet President Bart Yabsley said in a statement. “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.”

Statement from Sportsnet:

More: https://t.co/c4S18hDYiq https://t.co/GB3TINP3m9

— Hockey Night in Canada (@hockeynight) November 11, 2019

Despite the firing, Cherry remained unapologetic.

“I know what I said and I meant it. Everybody in Canada should wear a poppy to honor our fallen soldiers,” Cherry told the Toronto Sun.