Here’s a breakdown of the article:
The Core Conflict:
The article details a public spat between former Hockey Night in Canada co-hosts Don Cherry and Ron MacLean. Their friendship appears to have soured after MacLean offered his perspective on why Cherry was fired in 2019.
The “Poppygate” Incident:
Don Cherry was fired by Sportsnet in 2019 following an “infamous anti-immigrant rant.”
This rant, now referred to as “Poppygate,” involved Cherry suggesting that immigrants were less likely to wear poppies to honor fallen Canadian soldiers.
Ron MacLean’s Perspective:
MacLean believes Cherry intentionally orchestrated his firing.
He calls the “Poppygate” incident Cherry’s “exit strategy.”
MacLean suggests Cherry knew his comments would lead to termination and that it was a “liberating” and “right outcome” for Cherry, who he felt “needed out.”
He also posits that a past health scare (pneumonia) made Cherry realize the demanding road life was unsustainable, prompting him to seek an exit.
MacLean claims he was “doing the honorable thing” by making the situation look “whole” while also taking a stand against Cherry’s “improper” comments, which he felt went against his ethics. He believes his actions allowed Cherry to “gracefully get out.”
Don Cherry’s Response:
Cherry vehemently denies MacLean’s claims.
He states he was “not looking for a way out” and “never even thought of that.”
Cherry expresses “disappointment” in MacLean for bringing up the issue after five years and urges him to “let it go.”
He asserts that MacLean’s version of events “never happened.”
Cherry also makes it clear that he and MacLean are no longer friends and have no desire to talk to resolve their differing views on the end of their on-air partnership. He states,”I don’t have any feelings toward Ron.”
In essence, the article highlights a public disagreement between two former colleagues about the circumstances of one’s departure from a prominent broadcasting role, revealing a meaningful rift in their relationship.