Don Cherry on Ron MacLean: 'I Don't Think We'll Ever Be Friends Again'

Coach's Corner defined several eras of hockey for Canadian broadcasting. The duo of Ron MacLean & Don Cherry were the epitome of Hockey Night in Canada, a regularly schedule program on Saturday nights that have become legend across the country. However, after years of wise-cracking & borderline controversial remarks Cherry finally went too far in a rant over the famous Poppies -- a decorative commemoration of remembrance & sigil of the Royal Canadian Legion.

This monologue resulted in Cherry's dismissal from Sportsnet, citing racial insensitivity. Quite the controversial scandal, no question. The episode saw Cherry dragged online, through the proverbial streets & out of the spotlight. One tidbit from the debacle, at least from Grapes' perspective, that seemingly went undiscussed was the lack of support from his long-time co-host, Ron MacLean. Cherry believed that MacLean simply took cover & saved his own career, rather than jump on the sword that saw Cherry dismissed. Cherry not only viewed the decision as wrongful & an exercise in censorship. He also viewed it as a betrayal of a friend. 'I don't think we'll ever be friends again,' he said:

Meanwhile, MacLean still makes regular appearances on Sportsnet & maintains his public profile. As for Cherry, on the other hand, he maintains his own Twitter account where he shares his thoughts on the state of hockey among other things. He also has his own podcast, Don Cherry's Grapevine Podcast. While Coach's Corner is no more, Cherry remains resolute in his positions & looks as virile as ever.

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