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Time of India
16-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Bobby Orr blasts Ron MacLean over controversial claims about Don Cherry's health and ‘exit strategy' from Coach's Corner
Bobby Orr criticized Ron MacLean for his recent remarks about Don Cherry's departure from Hockey Night (Image via The Canadian Press) In a fiery public statement, hockey icon Bobby Orr has come to the defense of his longtime friend Don Cherry, fiercely condemning comments made by broadcaster Ron MacLean about Cherry's controversial 2019 exit from Hockey Night in Canada. The dispute, reignited by MacLean's recent interview with the Kingston Whig Standard, has reopened old wounds over Cherry's infamous 'Poppygate' fallout and the end of one of hockey's most iconic broadcast partnerships. Ron MacLean claims Don Cherry used health scare to engineer his departure During the interview, Ron MacLean suggested that Cherry's 2019 pneumonia scare was a turning point that prompted him to consider leaving Coach's Corner. Referring to the infamous poppy controversy, MacLean alleged that Cherry used it as an 'exit strategy' following serious health issues. 'I think that pneumonia scare was it,' MacLean said via The Toronto Sun. 'The pneumonia said to Don, 'It's time.' He had to think, 'Why is this grind suddenly so hard?' He was ready to have an exit strategy. From that moment on, he was plotting a way out." MacLean even claimed Cherry was hospitalized in Boston and required assistance at the time, a version of events that has been strongly disputed. Bobby Orr slams MacLean's remarks and defends Cherry's character Bobby Orr did not hold back in criticizing MacLean's version of the story, describing the remarks as both inaccurate and deeply disrespectful to Cherry's legacy. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 목에 주름이 생기는 '진짜' 이유 뷰앤디 더 알아보기 Undo 'Suggesting Don Cherry used encouraging people to wear poppies on Remembrance Day as an exit strategy from Coach's Corner, revealing he had pneumonia in 2019 and that he doesn't have many friends, I have only one thing to say to you Ron MacLean: Shame on you.' Orr's statement has been echoed by Cherry's family, including his son Tim, who flatly denied any hospitalization or planned exit, stating that Cherry never intended to leave the show prior to his dismissal. A legacy fractured by controversy and regret The MacLean-Cherry duo, once synonymous with Canadian hockey culture, has long since fractured under the weight of Cherry's dismissal. While MacLean later apologized for not condemning Cherry's poppy comments during the live broadcast, Cherry expressed deep disappointment, believing his co-host abandoned him in a moment of need. With Bobby Orr stepping into the fray, this decades-long relationship now appears irreparably damaged—one that once brought passion and color to Saturday night hockey but now symbolizes a cultural divide. Also Read: Stanley Cup shame sparks Oilers' panic move—goalie coach out as franchise refuses to face roster truth Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
National Post
11-07-2025
- Sport
- National Post
Ron MacLean calls Poppygate Don Cherry's 'exit strategy' from Coach's Corner after health scare
Article content At that point, no one knew the severity of Cherry's illness and he made it through the broadcast, but afterwards he went straight back to the hotel. Article content 'Don and I didn't have our post-show ritual beers (because) he was so sick,' MacLean said. 'I just had a couple of beers by myself and then I got a call from (National Hockey League Commissioner) Gary Bettman — you know, he and I are like, well, pick your poison — and he asks, 'How's Don?' I tell him, 'He's good. Why do you ask?' (Bettman) says, 'Well, he's in hospital.' That was a shocker.' Article content Article content Cherry recovered over the summer and reported back to his post on Hockey Night in time for the start of the 2019-20 season, but just a few weeks in, his Remembrance Day rant about immigrants coming to Canada 'for their milk and honey' and not wearing poppies to honour the nation's military heroes drew intense blowback, first from the public, then from Rogers' executives. Article content It turned out Cherry had kicked his last beehive on Hockey Night in Canada. The way MacLean sees it, Cherry was expressing his heartfelt opinion and not only knew what the reaction would be, but was spoiling for the fight. Article content 'It was a bit clumsy, but it was the right outcome,' MacLean said. 'Ultimately, that's what needed to happen. It was liberating. Don needed out and the time was right. (Remembrance Day) was his last swing, taking a stance that's unpopular, but that feels good in his world. For Don, it's all a fight. It's all a battle. So he was happy and I'm happy for him.' Article content In the wake of Rogers and Hockey Night in Canada shutting down Coach's Corner and dismissing Cherry, many criticized MacLean for not going down with the ship and labelled him a Judas for betraying his on-air partner, To MacLean's mind, though, he was taking one for the team, which was, if you boil it down, an extension of his role on the broadcast. Article content 'I was doing the honourable thing by making it look whole,' MacLean says. 'The attack on immigrants was improper and I was not happy with it — it goes against my ethics. I was able to take my stand and he was able to take his, but I was also playing the game and that card allowed Don to gracefully get out — he could go out on what was for him a high, (saying stuff) that would get you elected President of the U.S. now.' Article content Article content Though Cherry told the Toronto Sun's Warmington that he could never patch up his friendship with his former broadcast partner, MacLean says their relationship is on solid ground and they're 'eternally good' with the end of their Coach's Corner. Article content That friendship notwithstanding, MacLean says Cherry hasn't shared his plans for Grapevine. Article content 'Don is a private person and doesn't have a lot of friends,' MacLean says. 'It's been a very hard time for him with the death of (his daughter) Cindy and (his brother) Dick. Yet when we talk, he readily brings up things that are good. I'm not calling him a denier, but he definitely doesn't like to wallow. He doesn't want to hear or talk about bad things.' Article content Article content For MacLean, Cherry's leaving things unsaid brought to mind the weeks before his wife Rose died in 1997. Article content 'We were in Colorado doing the playoffs and I'd see Don going on these long walks, solitary, going down an empty boulevard,' MacLean said. 'I wondered what was bugging him. I knew something was up, but we had no idea that she was in the last throes of her battle with cancer. He didn't say anything to me until the day before she passed. Whether it was the pneumonia or Rose's death, there was suffering, but there was no vulnerability, no weakness. That was just built in, how he always operated.' Article content
Calgary Herald
28-06-2025
- Sport
- Calgary Herald
Opinion: Hockey antics giving the sport a black eye
Article content If the NHL is in any way a mirror reflecting current society, we've become really, really ugly. Article content I grew up an avid hockey fan. Hockey Night in Canada was both a constant and a highlight of each week. Article content Whether accurate or not, athletes like Dave Keon and George Armstrong were held up as models of sportsmanship, character and professionalism. I raise a modest question mark as to the accuracy of that picture as the absence of social media kept athletes of that era safe from the microscope. Article content Article content The perception of the role sports played in developing character, resilience and sportsmanship did not wane as I moved into adulthood. Article content Article content In years working the streets, I often commented how rare it was to see a young person wearing a team jacket arrested for anything save the odd drunken misstep. Sports, which in Canada mostly meant hockey, were considered a prime avenue of developing fine young men. Then, it was rare for women to be in hockey, although today, women are certainly included in the equation. Article content But, after decades of celebrating hockey, I can hardly stand what has come of my treasured sport, especially at the highest levels. Article content The 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs were about as disgusting a feature as has been held since the days of the Roman Colosseum. Article content Let me first state that I am an avid Edmonton Oilers fan, so to demonstrate this is not sour grapes, my first illustration will feature an Oiler. Article content Article content Watching Evan Bouchard purposely, intentionally slash at the injured ankle of Dallas Stars player Roope Hintz was repulsive. Hearing 'respected' hockey commentators declare that is how the game is played today and the reason injuries are never disclosed only proves the point. Article content Our sport has grown uglier and uglier. I understand the initial slash that injured his ankle. It occurs multiple times a game and isn't intended to injure. I also understand some vicious plays that occur spontaneously in the heat of the moment when adrenaline soars. Article content But to know someone has an injury and then purposely attack that injury has absolutely nothing to do with sports, sportsmanship or professionalism. It has everything to do with ugly, cowardly self-service.
Global News
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Global News
Don Cherry, 91, signs off podcast after 313 episodes, future uncertain
Famed Canadian sportscaster Don Cherry signed off from his podcast for the final time — or so it seemed. The 91-year-old Cherry had hosted 'Don Cherry's Grapevine Podcast' since November 2019, producing 313 episodes in total. His son and co-host, Tim Cherry, said on the finale that it had racked up 6.5 million downloads. 'Well, Tim, this is our last show. … Thanks everybody for listening and toodaloo,' Cherry said on the episode posted Monday. Cherry's official X account shared a link to the episode with the caption, 'Don Cherry Says Goodbye in Final Podcast,' reinforcing the impression that the series had come to an end. But in a Tuesday interview with the Toronto Sun, Cherry said the goodbye was meant as a seasonal sign-off, not a permanent farewell. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Even so, Tim Cherry told The Canadian Press he doesn't foresee any new episodes in the future. Story continues below advertisement 'That being said,' he added, 'if something wild happens like McDavid being traded to the Leafs, I'm sure Don will want to do a quick podcast about it. As for the start of next year, we'll see.' The podcast has been Cherry's most regular platform since his departure from television — a continuation of a storied and often controversial career in broadcasting. His bold suits were matched only by his even bolder opinions. For nearly 40 years, Cherry — a pugnacious former minor league defenceman who later coached the NHL's Boston Bruins and Colorado Rockies — made his name on Coach's Corner during Hockey Night in Canada. Cherry had long been known as a polarizing voice in hockey circles, but no moment left a lasting mark quite like Nov. 9, 2019, when he delivered a televised rant about people not wearing poppies, seemingly aimed at immigrants. Cherry, who denied targeting new Canadians, was fired two days later. Rogers Sportsnet president Bart Yabsley announced the decision, saying Cherry 'made divisive remarks that do not represent our values or what we stand for.'
Hamilton Spectator
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
Don Cherry, 91, signs off podcast after 313 episodes, future uncertain
Famed Canadian sportscaster Don Cherry signed off from his podcast for the final time — or so it seemed. The 91-year-old Cherry had hosted 'Don Cherry's Grapevine Podcast' since August 2023, producing 313 episodes in total. His son and co-host, Tim Cherry, said on the finale that it had racked up 6.5 million downloads. 'Well, Tim, this is our last show. ... Thanks everybody for listening and toodaloo,' Cherry said on the episode posted Monday. Cherry's official X account shared a link to the episode with the caption, 'Don Cherry Says Goodbye in Final Podcast,' reinforcing the impression that the series had come to an end. But in a Tuesday interview with the Toronto Sun, Cherry said the goodbye was meant as a seasonal sign-off, not a permanent farewell. Even so, Tim Cherry told The Canadian Press he doesn't foresee any new episodes in the future. 'That being said,' he added, 'if something wild happens like McDavid being traded to the Leafs, I'm sure Don will want to do a quick podcast about it. As for the start of next year, we'll see.' The podcast has been Cherry's most regular platform since his departure from television — a continuation of a storied and often controversial career in broadcasting. His bold suits were matched only by his even bolder opinions. For nearly 40 years, Cherry — a pugnacious former minor league defenceman who later coached the NHL's Boston Bruins and Colorado Rockies — made his name on Coach's Corner during Hockey Night in Canada. Cherry had long been known as a polarizing voice in hockey circles, but no moment left a lasting mark quite like Nov. 9, 2019, when he delivered a televised rant about people not wearing poppies, seemingly aimed at immigrants. Cherry, who denied targeting new Canadians, was fired two days later. Rogers Sportsnet president Bart Yabsley announced the decision, saying Cherry 'made divisive remarks that do not represent our values or what we stand for.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 24, 2025.
