Ron MacLean says he doesn’t believe former co-host Don Cherry is racist
Posted November 20, 2019 7:03 am.
Last Updated November 20, 2019 10:05 am.
EDMONTON – Days after he addressed Don Cherry’s dismissal, sports broadcaster Ron MacLean said he doesn’t believe his former co-host is a racist.
MacLean, the long-time co-host of “Coach’s Corner” with Cherry, was in Edmonton to receive an honorary doctor of laws degree at the University of Alberta on Tuesday.
Before receiving the degree, MacLean told reporters it’s been a difficult time and said he hopes he can repair his friendship with the former host.
RELATED: ‘We’re all disappointed’: MacLean goes solo on Hockey Night in Canada after Cherry firing
“You know, he’s upset. But we’re all raw. As I’ve said on the TV, I love Don. It doesn’t sound like I would be there for Don, but I am. We’re just going through one of the most difficult situations because, as I said, we each made our personal decision.”
Sportsnet fired Cherry on Nov. 11, two days after controversial on-air comments during “Coach’s Corner.”
The 85-year-old broadcaster made comments that many felt were critical of immigrants for not wearing Remembrance Day poppies.
Cherry used the phrase, ‘You people,’ during the segment but later denied that he was singling out visible minorities.
Rogers Media, which owns Sportsnet, is also the parent company of this radio station and website.
