Hockey Night in Canada host Ron MacLean issued an apology Sunday for the way he handled Don Cherry's comments toward Canadian immigrants on Saturday's edition of "Coach's Corner."
MacLean spoke ahead of Sportsnet's hockey broadcast, claiming accountability for allowing Cherry to make such comments.
#UPDATE: Coach's Corner co-host Ron MacLean has apologized to Canadians for the comments Don Cherry made regarding immigrants, saying in part, "I sat there, did not catch it and did not respond," during the opening of Rogers Hometown Hockey Sunday. https://t.co/sRkX3uyU9t pic.twitter.com/FRdtaaxQdo
— CityNews Toronto (@CityNews) November 10, 2019
"Don Cherry made remarks which were hurtful, discriminatory, which were flat-out wrong," MacLean said. " ... We know diversity is the strength of the country. We see it in the travels with our show and with Hockey Night in Canada.
"So I owe you an apology, too. That's the big thing that I want to emphasize. I sat there, did not catch it, did not respond."
With Remembrance Day nearing, Cherry criticized Canadian immigrants for apparently not purchasing enough poppies.
"You people that come here, you love our way of life, you love our milk and honey, at least you can pay a couple of bucks for poppies or something like that," Cherry said.
Following the remarks, MacLean simply nodded and gave a thumbs-up. In addition to his on-air apology, MacLean also took to Twitter to express his regret.
"I want to sincerely apologize to our viewers and Canadians. During last night's broadcast, Don made comments that were hurtful and prejudiced and I wish I had handled myself differently," he wrote. "It was a divisive moment and I am truly upset with myself for allowing it."
The NHL, Sportsnet, and Hockey Canada all issued statements Sunday condemning Cherry's remarks.
