Don Cherry Doubles Down on Poppy Take that Lost him his Job with Hockey Night in Canada

For our American readers who may not understand what this is referencing, in Canada it is tradition for people to wear artificial poppies as pins during the month of November.

November was chosen since the month contains veterans day, November 11th, which itself was based on the ending day of the First World War. WWI officially ended on November 11th, 1918, at 11:11 in the morning.

Don Cherry, of course, is known for his strong opinions and he rarely budges from them. In fact, it was a rant about poppies that got him on the hot seat way back in 2019 that ultimately resulted in him being fired from Sportsnet.

His comments this time around were a lot more concise and certainly less controversial. For one, he was talking on his own podcast which he brought back for another season despite his advancing age. Obviously, one can say whatever they want if it is on their own show. Ironically, if he simply made this statement five years ago, he probably would still be on Sportsnet today.

The message is not a bad one. These poppy pins are very cheap and easy to get a hold of in Canada. Every coach and trainer in the NHL is always seen wearing them during games and there is no reason why Canadian citizens can't hold themselves to the same standard.

Tim, Cherry's son reminded his dad that it had already been five years since he got fired. Cherry responded

That being said, you simply cannot force things upon people no matter how small they may seem. At the end of the day it doesn't really matter who is wearing the poppies and who isn't. Most veterans will not be offended if you don't wear one and most people who don't wear them respect our veterans. It really is that simple.

Unfortunately people get caught up in the rhetoric online which creates this unnecessary drama.