Don Cherry is known as much for his hockey knowledge as he is for his flamboyant suits. His segments on "Hockey Night in Canada" were popular throughout the country not only for his insight but also for the "What's he going to say next?" element. Cherry's unpredictability made for some extra work for Co-Host Ron MacLean who would have to jump in from time to time in case "Grapes" was getting to close to the edge.
MacLean offered no such services last Saturday when he and Cherry appeared on HNIC's popular "Coach's Corner" segment where Cherry's insight frequently ranged from Left Wing Locks to what local eatery had the best wings and included everything in between. Nothing was out of Cherry's peripheral.
Grapes' delving into non-hockey issues was on the forefront on what turned out to be his swan song with CBC Television. Saturday's opinions involved Canada's Remembrance Day. Although he did not specifically mention immigrants, Cherry left little doubt who he was referring to when he mentioned, "You people come here. You love our way of life..." Don Cherry was fired by CBC for what the Network called, "divisive remarks that do not represent our values or what we stand for."
MacLean's original reaction to Cherry's opinion was a nod and a thumbs-up. MacLean later apologized for the segments and said he, "sat there and did not respond," despite looking right at his co-host and nodding as Cherry made his comments.
Don Cherry is the latest example of not being able to say something without offending someone. His employer made a knee-jerk reaction just incase there would be protestors outside Headquarters and wanted to show the entire country there is no place for intolerance.
By the way, what did Grapes do that was so hateful and vitriolic? Did he tell the immigrants to leave Canada? Did he tell foreigners to go back to where they came from? No. He reminded people that they love Canada's way of life they should pay a couple of dollars for a poppy to wear to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. He said nothing derogatory about the immigrants. He just reminded them about those who fought to defend Canada's freedom and the meaning of the poppy in Canada and why they should do it.
Cherry did not mean any ill will to foreign-born or native-born Canadians. He just wanted to remind the people watching of the real reason for the holiday. Some Canadians took it the wrong way. Sportsnet took it even more wrong than that.
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