Opinion: Two years ago today CBC/Sportsnet made their worst decision ever by firing Don Cherry

Two years ago today, on Remembrance Day no less, the CBC and Rogers Sportsnet unceremoniously dropped legendary broadcaster Don Cherry after 33 years on CBC's Hockey Night in Canada.

In a statement released on social media, Sportsnet said that it was the "right time" for Cherry to be removed from broadcasts following his impassioned speech in support of Canada's veterans on his weekly "Coach's Corner" segment.

“Sports brings people together — it unites us, not divides us,” the statement from Bart Yabsley, Sportsnet president, said. “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.

Cherry, of course, ruffled some feathers by singling out recent immigrants to Canada for not wearing a Remembrance Day poppy in support of Canadian veterans. Personally, I took no offense to what Cherry had to say, but I'll admit that he worded things a bit clumsily.

Here's what Grapes had to say back in 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. These guys paid for your way of life that you enjoy in Canada, these guys paid the biggest price.”

- Don Cherry

I know exactly what Cherry is trying to say here, but again he phrases things pretty clumsily. In particular his use of the phrase "you people" ruffled some feathers and led to accusations of racism for singling out minority groups. To me though, Cherry was just trying to express his support for Canadian veterans and one of the best ways you can do that is by donating some money to purchase a poppy in the days and weeks leading up to Remembrance Day (November 11th). 

Was Cherry trying to shame immigrants? Was he trying to single out minority groups for ridicule? Absolutely not. It's pretty clear that he's passionate about the men and women who serve and have served in Canada's military and he was only trying to draw attention to their cause. Instead, CBC and Rogers gave in to a small but vocal crowd online and unceremoniously dumped one of hockey's most iconic broadcasters like he was yesterday's trash. Personally, I've never forgotten or forgiven CBC and Sportsnet for this injustice and I know that I'll be thinking of Grapes today when I take a moment to show my respect for those who have served for my freedom.