Don Cherry, hockey analyst fired for controversial remark, to start ‘tell it like it is’ podcast
Don Cherry, fired from his “Hockey Night in Canada” segment over a controversial remark, tweeted last week, “You’ll be hearing from me soon.”
On Monday, that format was revealed: a podcast.
The Toronto Sun reported that the podcast, named “Grapevine,” will be available Tuesday morning, then every Monday during the NHL season. The popular, outspoken former coach told the newspaper that his son, Tim, who produced Cherry’s old “Grapevine” TV show, and grandson, Del, would be with him on podcast.
Cherry, 85, was fired by Sportsnet after saying Nov. 9 during his Coach’s Corner segment that people in Toronto were being disrespectful by not wearing poppies to honor Canada’s fallen military heroes leading up to Remembrance Day.
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“You people … that come here, whatever it is, you love our way of life, you love our milk and honey,” Cherry said. “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.”
His words were viewed as a criticism of immigrants and Sportsnet called his words “divisive.”
He went on Fox News to say he believed he was fired because he used the words “you people” instead of “everybody.” Hall of Famer Bobby Orr, who was coached by Cherry, was among those who supported him, calling the firing “disgraceful.”
Cherry told the newspaper that he would address the firing on the first installment of the podcast, but other topics as well.
“That’s not all we talked about,” he told the Sun. “We are talking hockey, of course. It’s going to be terrific. In this one, I am talking about The Rocket (Montreal Canadiens Hall of Famer Maurice Richard), one of the all-time greats.”
And he’s expected to continue to be outspoken on the podcast.
His Twitter chatter says: “Hockey Icon Don Cherry, continues with his ‘tell it like it is’ attitude on hockey and more!”
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