Report: Outspoken hockey commentator Don Cherry gets the ax after ill-advised diatribe

Never minced words

Don Cherry, a former NHL player and coach, had his own segment on the show "Hockey Night in Canada" for 40 years before being fired on Monday. (Associated Press)

Don Cherry, who’s best known for his brash opinions and flamboyant style of dressing, was fired as co-host of Hockey Night in Canada’s Coach’s Corner following an ill-advised rant about Canadian immigrants, according to a report in the New York Post.

Cherry had spent the last 40 years on Coach’s Corner and never minced words when he had something on his mind, often stirring up controversy. Hockey Night in Canada is a popular program on Candian-based Rogers Sportsnet.

The 85-year-old hockey pundit went over-the-top when he lambasted Canadian immigrants for not properly acknowledging Remembrance Day, which is Monday.

“You people love — you, that come here, whatever it is — you love our way of life, you love our milk and honey,” said Cherry during a broadcast on Saturday. “At least you could pay a couple of bucks for poppies or something like that. These guys paid for your way of life, that you enjoy in Canada.”

Cherry didn’t apologize for his comments. According to the Post, different organizations pertaining to hockey -- including the NHL and Hockey Canada -- released statements concerning Cherry’s rant.

“Sports brings people together — it unites us, not divides us,” said Bart Yabsley, Sportsnet’s president 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 out values or what we stand for.

“Don is synonymous with hockey and has played an integral role in growing the game over the past 40 years,'' continued Yabsley. "We would like to thank Don for his contributions to hockey and sports broadcasting in Canada.”

Cherry’s hockey playing career was spent mostly in the minor leagues (he played one NHL playoff game with the Boston Bruins), but he experienced a host of success during a five-year coaching tenure with the Bruins in the late 1970s. In fact, Cherry led Boston to back-to-back appearances in the Stanley Cup finals in 1977-78.

According to the Post, Cherry’s controversial comments, over the years, include referring to non-Canadian players ‘soft’ and a belief that women don’t belong in NHL locker rooms.

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