Social media reacts to Don Cherry's firing
Don Cherry has officially been fired from his role at Sportsnet after racist comments on Saturday night.
After his divisive remarks this weekend, Cherry did not apologize, even after Sportsnet issued a statement and co-host Ron MacLean took responsibility for his role in the matter. The outpouring of complaints to the Canada Broadcast Standards Council was enough to overload their online forum and they were unable to take any more.
Sportsnet released the following statement announcing Cherry stepped down, although Cherry confirmed to Joe Warmington of The Toronto Sun that he was indeed fired.
Statement from Sportsnet: pic.twitter.com/LRKrww0AQ1
— Sportsnet PR (@SportsnetPR) November 11, 2019
Don Cherry was trending on social media basically since Saturday evening and hockey fans took to Twitter once again on Monday once the firing was announced. The general temperature is that his termination was long overdue after a history of racist, discriminatory and outlandish comments.
Horvat on Cherry dismissal: "He’s been in the game for a long time but at the same time, hockey is supposed to bring people together and there’s no place for stuff like that. I think it’s the right decision. It’s upsetting hearing things like that being said." #Canucks
— Ben Kuzma (@benkuzma) November 11, 2019
Don Cherry didn't apologize because he doesn't feel bad about what he said, nor does he think it's wrong. For that reason alone, it was time to move on. Racism and Xenophobia should not be on a national platform Saturday nights.
— Jesse Marshall (@jmarshfof) November 11, 2019
Cherry's routine amuses some, but he never should've been doing it on Canada's public broadcaster. His legacy will not improve as the years go on, and the game will get better without his cynically divisive mentality being trotted out on a massive platform every Saturday.
— Adam Proteau (@Proteautype) November 11, 2019
Hockey still isn't for everyone but we got a little closer today.
— Devang (@DesaiDevang) November 11, 2019
All I want to say right now is that we are all Canadian. I'm thankful hockey is one of the things that unites all of us in that feeling. And I'm proud of the work we do @Sportsnet to contribute to that.
— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) November 11, 2019
Ok, I’ve read a lot of the Don Cherry stuff, and there’s one thing people are missing. It is that for many people of colour, feeling fully Canadian can sometimes be an elusive goal. Hockey is one of the best gateways to reach that goal. Here is why what Cherry said is hurtful.
— Аrpon Basu (@ArponBasu) November 11, 2019
This day was long in coming for Don Cherry, who has needlessly "Other"-ized European and French-Canadian players for his entire career, and his famous videos will be remembered as traumatic brain injury shows. He has done good things for the game, but his misdeeds overshadow them
— Adam Proteau (@Proteautype) November 11, 2019
Some thoughts to share pic.twitter.com/5egRGYvp9v
— David Amber (@DavidAmber) November 11, 2019
Like many, I grew up watching Don Cherry. He was one of the most recognizable Canadians around. Must watch TV Saturday nights. Who got Rock ‘Em Sock videos (on VHS!) for Xmas? It’s unfortunate that it ends this way, but Don ultimately made his own bed. Time & views had passed him
— James Cybulski (@JamesCybulski) November 11, 2019
don cherry getting fired from hockey for racism is absolutely what my ancestors fought for
— vicky mochama (@vmochama) November 11, 2019
1/2
Mr. Cherry’s personal opinion was hurtful, divisive and in no way condoned by the Legion. We do remain appreciative of his passionate support for Veterans.— The Royal Canadian Legion (@RoyalCdnLegion) November 11, 2019
2/2
We know many new Canadians understand and welcome the tradition of the red poppy and will continue to educate all citizens about the significance of this powerful symbol.— The Royal Canadian Legion (@RoyalCdnLegion) November 11, 2019
More NHL coverage from Yahoo Sports
