In Canada, Don Cherry is such a legendary announcer that his name has become synonymous with professional hockey. But now, after 40 years on the air, Cherry has been fired for making "inflammatory comments" about Canadian immigrants.
The rant that cost Cherry his career occurred on Saturday's episode of "Coach's Corner." Cherry, discussing Veteran's Day, went off on Canadians -- mainly immigrants, referred to by Cherry as "new Canadians" -- who don't follow tradition by wearing poppies to honor fallen soldiers.
The veteran hockey host's comments didn't sit well with a lot of viewers, and on Monday Sportsnet announced he's been terminated. "Sports brings people together; it unites us, not divides us," reads a statement from the network. "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. During the broadcast, he made divisive remarks that do not represent our values or what we stand for."
Is it right for Cherry to be fired for speaking his mind? Are TV "personalities" actually supposed to mimic theiremployers' personalities?