Sportsnet Apologizes for Don Cherry's Offensive Comments on Immigrants

Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

Sportsnet commentator Don Cherry faced criticism for comments made on the air about new immigrants wearing Remembrance Day poppies. The network called the comments "offensive."

Poppies are sold every year on the last Friday in October until Remembrance Day (Nov. 11) to raise money and support for veterans and their respective families.

"You people... you love our way of life, you love our milk and honey, at least you can pay a couple bucks for a poppy or something like that," Cherry said. 

"These guys paid for your way of life that you enjoy in Canada, these guys paid the biggest price," he added.

Sportsnet issued the following statement on Sunday afternoon.

"Don's discriminatory comments are offensive and they do not represent our values and what we stand for as a network," Sportsnet president Bart Yabsley said. "We have spoken with Don about the severity of this issue and we sincerely apologize for these divisive remarks."

There was no mention of any further discipline that Cherry could face.

Cherry's Hockey Night in Canada cohost Ron MacLean took to Twitter Sunday evening to apologize. 

"I want to sincerely apologize to our viewers and Canadians," MacLean tweeted. "During last night's broadcast, Don made comments that were hurtful and prejudiced and I wish I had handled myself differently. It was a divisive moment and I am truly upset with myself for allowing it."