Don Cherry fired from Sportsnet for poppy comments

Cherry served as co-host of Coach’s Corner since 1981, joined by current co-host Ron MacLean in 1986. Photo via Wikipedia

By Max Reid

BELLEVILLE – Don Cherry has been fired from Sportsnet following his controversial comments made on Saturday night.

During Saturday’s Coach’s Corner segment, the long-time Hockey Night in Canada host ranted in his typical fashion, but targeted new Canadian immigrants and their adoption of the poppy as a symbol of remembrance.

In a statement to the public on Monday, Sportsnet president Bart Yabsley called Cherry’s comments “divisive” and said that “it is the right time for him to immediately step down.”

Social media is divided on the issue, with many users agreeing with the decision to declare this his last straw, following similar controversial comments made in the past. Others are comparing the issue to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s recent blackface scandal, calling Cherry’s dismissal hypocritical and an infringement on his freedom of expression.