Don Charry's Special Message To fans On the 5th anniversary of his firing

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Joshua Deeds
November 10, 2024 (3:46 PM)

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It's been five years to the day that Don Cherry was fired after his rant on Sportsnet's "Hockey Night in Canada".

Five long years ago his unceremonious exit from Sportsnet Don Cherry still hasn't changed. Depending on who you talk to, it's for better or worse.

Cherry's known for his rants, which polarized fans everywhere. Well, get ready cause Grapes released a new message for his fans on Social Media.

"I don't see any change," said Cherry with sadness in his voice. "You go downtown you don't see any poppies."

After his comments about people not wearing Poppies on Remembrance Day in 2019, he would be summarily dismissed, and "Coaches Corner" would be no more.

His verbose statement included a pointed critique of those who he believed were denigrating veterans by not wearing one.

After the broadcast of his message which happened before Remembrance Day, Sportsnet terminated Don Cherry on November 11, 2019.

Quite a turn of events for the colorful personality, who to this day has no qualms about his statement.

"I have no regrets about the poppy," answered Cherry when asked about whether or not he had any regrets.

Even then, he admits it wasn't his time to leave the HNIC broadcast, even though his hand was forced.

"I have regrets when I see the guys on television and I think of the fun I could have had," said Cherry. "I could have gone on for another couple of years, but it was time to go."

It sounds like a statement with some bitterness imbued in it.

Nevertheless, Don Cherry has kept with his advocacy for Remembrance Day encouraging Canadians everywhere to buy a poppy and show appreciation for veterans.

A sign of gratitude, which Cherry himself continues to support, buying several yearly.

"Wear one and give twenty bucks," said Cherry. "That's what I give all the time and I grab a handful."

Cherry's comments were enough to cause a significant change in direction for teams, and media as they have commentators and analysts who offer different perspectives than Grapes.

For better or worse, Cherry's legacy has been left on a league, which he himself recognized has past him by. His stories are easily found, with a set of movies made with Letterkenny & Shoresy's own Jared Keeso in the cast.

Respect the man's work, and if you feel the need to keep the legacy alive.

Don Cherry's Message to Fans