One of the bigger faces of Hockey Night in Canada is being fired after controversial comments he made over the weekend.
Don Cherry was let go by Sportsnet after suggesting immigrants weren’t supporting veterans by not buying poppies.
“You people, who come here, you love our way of life, love our milk and honey, at least you could pay a couple of bucks for a poppy,” Cherry said during his weekly segment of Coach’s Corner.
Shortly after, Sportsnet released a statement where they noted the company believes this was the best time for the announcer to step down.
“During the broadcast, he made divisive remarks that do not represent our values or what we stand for.”
The Royal Canadian Legion also condemn Cherry’s remarks calling them hurtful, divisive, and in now way condoned by them.
Mixed Reactions in Wood Buffalo
Mix News hit the streets to see what residents thought about Cherry’s removal from Hockey Night in Canada.
When it came to his remarks, some agreed while other didn’t
“As Canadians, one of our rights is freedom of speech and that’s exactly what he was doing.”
“It should have been a broader statement, I think, of who’s not wearing poppies.”
“He was always a pain in the butt for sure, but he’s not with the times.”
“That’s what a lot of people think expect for all the Liberal snowflakes.”
The public was also split on whether being fired was the right the decision. Some thought it was the right decision while others believed Cherry was being punished for simply stating his own opinion.
“Definitely not, not for speaking his opinion.”
“Not when they compare him to Trudeau, he shouldn’t have been.”
“Just cause, absolutely.”
“I’m sure it was probably a clause in his employment contract.”
“What I would have liked to have seen is (Cherry) would have seen for himself and said ‘oops I overstepped my bounds.’”