Sportsnet has cut ties with "Hockey Night in Canada" broadcaster Don Cherry. Rogers Sportsnet President Bart Yabsley said in a statement Monday that after discussions with Cherry "it has been decided it is the right time for him to immediately step down.''
Sportsnet apologized for Cherry's comments on "Coach's Corner" on Saturday about what it called his "divisive remarks that do not reflect our values or what we stand for." Yabsley also thanked Cherry.
"Don is synonymous with hockey and has played an integral role in growing the game over the last 40 years. We would like to thank Don for his contributions to hockey and sports broadcasting in Canada," the statement said.
Cherry called immigrants "you people'' and said, "you love our way of life, you love our milk and honey',' but don't wear poppies to honor veterans on Remembrance Day.
The outburst sparked a swift backlash from the public, politicians and the National Hockey League.
Cherry, 85, singled out new immigrants in Toronto and Mississauga, Ont., where he lives, for not honoring Canada's veterans and dead soldiers.
The CBC issued a response, saying "Don Cherry's remarks on Saturday night were divisive, discriminatory and offensive and we respect the Sportsnets' decision that this is the right time for Don to step down."
Cherry did not respond to phone calls seeking comment and has not publicly apologized. Segment co-host Ron MacLean apologized Sunday evening.
