Controversial hockey commentator, Don Cherry, has been fired following social a media uproar over comments he made about immigrants and poppies during Sportsnet's Hockey Night in Canada.
In a Statement issued by Sportsnet's president, Bart Yabsley, Yabsley thanked Cherry for his "contributions to hockey and sports broadcasting in Canada," adding "after Saturday night's broadcast, it has been decided it is the right time for him to immediately step down."
Cherry's firing comes after he described immigrants in Canada as unpatriotic and unappreciative of the sacrifices Canadian veterans have made and continue to make.
The comments sparked anger and calls of resignation from politicians, YouTubers, and former members of the Canadian Armed Forces.
CBC, a sub-licensing partner of the Rogers Media-owned show, also spoke out about the comments and asked Sportsnet to respond appropriately.
"We found his remarks to be as divisive, as discriminatory, and offensive. And we expressed this earlier today to Sportsnet. Because as the public broadcaster, even though we have no say or any purview over their content, we needed to have our point of view heard. CBC's Head of Public Affairs for English-language Services, Chuck Thompson, said.
Cherry is yet to address the backlash and his firing.
By: Niza Nondo
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