[mhking]

A Statement from the Executive Vice-President of CBC Television

February 6, 2004

I want to make clear the CBC Television position with respect to Don Cherry.

Mr. Cherry has been an important part of the Canadian hockey scene as a player, coach and commentator over the past five decades. Fans across the country have tuned into Hockey Night in Canada's Coach's Corner for over 20 years because of his insights and understanding of the game.

Mr. Cherry's role on Coach's Corner is, and has always been, as a hockey commentator. However, during the January 24th show he unacceptably stepped beyond that role by expressing an inappropriate and reprehensible personal opinion as part of his discussion about the use of visors.

CBC Television categorically rejects and denounces the personal opinions Mr. Cherry expressed during the segment. Comments such as those expressed during the show cannot be repeated and will not be tolerated.

CBC Television must manage its airwaves responsibly. In order to do this, CBC Sports will broadcast Coach's Corner on a seven-second delay. This practice is common on many live broadcasts and is in effect immediately.

Additionally, CBC Sports management have reviewed the January 24th broadcast with Mr. Cherry, and have his assurances that comments of this nature will not be repeated.

Harold Redekopp
Executive Vice-President
CBC Television

[mhking]

Just damn.

If you want on the list, FReepmail me. This IS a high-volume PING list...

[1rudeboy]

NDP Leader Jack Layton said he was annoyed by the implication about French Canadian hockey players. "One of my most vivid memories is going to the Montreal Forum with my dad, at age six, and seeing Boom Boom Geoffrion, Maurice Richard, the Pocket Rocket [Henri Richard], playing the most amazing hockey. They are some of the greatest hockey players in Canadian history."

But did they wear visors, Mr. Leader?

[ChadGore]

This is just plain nuts. Cherry speaks the truth.

[Drango]

and calling the Frenchmen wimps, I mean it's unacceptable."

The women and children are wimps too...

[opbuzz]

I wish I could find the article about the hockey player, who during an altercation, told his opponent, "I don't fight Euros."

I believe he was suspended and fined for his offensive remark.

[HoustonCurmudgeon]

If Mr. Cherry doesn't mind the weather, no snow, not a cloud in the sky, mid 50's today, he's welcome to move to Texas.

[general_re]

The only thing about Don Cherry that really needs censoring is his wardrobe ;)

[BigSkyFreeper]

This is completely idiotic. Don Cherry "tells it like it is", he's made himself famous for offending others. I've seen documentaries on CBC before, and his collegues are not ashamed to say that Don Cherry's commentaries are almost as if a hockey fan was sitting in the booth "telling it like it is", whether he's talking about a famous hockey player, or speaking on issues in general.

[Final Authority]

I think most people know that players refer to him as "Grapes" as in sour grapes. He was the most hated and loved coach in Boston during the late '70s. Back then, only rookies had to wear a helmet but it was optional for veterans. He made it clear that for veterans wearing a helmet wasn't an option. One of his favorites, McTavish, was the last NHLer to sign off on not wearing a helemt.

As a Boston hockey fan, the game was never the same since Sinden forced Cherry to leave.

[samtheman]

the Official Languages Act

I look for us to get one of these in our country. Protecting Spanish, Arabic and Chinese.

[garbanzo]

Ah the ever tolerant Canadians...they laugh at us because a boob is shown on American television and people get upset but make a comment about the French-Canadians and all hell breaks loose up there.

[mountaineer]

Cherry has also taken on Quebec nationalists, saying "they don't like the Canadian flag but they want our money, we bail them out. I've never seen such a bunch of whiners in my life."

This sounds about right - except it looks like it's not just the French-speaking Canadians who are whining about this guy.

[EveningStar]

CBC = Cowardly Broadcasting in Canada

[VOA]

CBC puts Cherry on 7-second delay (Sports commentator smacked for calling French wimps)

Hmmm...funny, I've had a number of Canadians tell me that there is
lots of antipathy between French-Canadians and the French...
maybe language is thicker than blood...

[EveningStar]

This is a video clip of the incident.

The clip runs 8:42 and the offending comment occurs at about the 7:40 mark.