Latest news with #Cherry
Time of India
7 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
Bobby Orr blasts Ron MacLean over controversial claims about Don Cherry's health and ‘exit strategy' from Coach's Corner
Bobby Orr criticized Ron MacLean for his recent remarks about Don Cherry's departure from Hockey Night (Image via The Canadian Press) In a fiery public statement, hockey icon Bobby Orr has come to the defense of his longtime friend Don Cherry, fiercely condemning comments made by broadcaster Ron MacLean about Cherry's controversial 2019 exit from Hockey Night in Canada. The dispute, reignited by MacLean's recent interview with the Kingston Whig Standard, has reopened old wounds over Cherry's infamous 'Poppygate' fallout and the end of one of hockey's most iconic broadcast partnerships. Ron MacLean claims Don Cherry used health scare to engineer his departure During the interview, Ron MacLean suggested that Cherry's 2019 pneumonia scare was a turning point that prompted him to consider leaving Coach's Corner. Referring to the infamous poppy controversy, MacLean alleged that Cherry used it as an 'exit strategy' following serious health issues. 'I think that pneumonia scare was it,' MacLean said via The Toronto Sun. 'The pneumonia said to Don, 'It's time.' He had to think, 'Why is this grind suddenly so hard?' He was ready to have an exit strategy. From that moment on, he was plotting a way out." MacLean even claimed Cherry was hospitalized in Boston and required assistance at the time, a version of events that has been strongly disputed. Bobby Orr slams MacLean's remarks and defends Cherry's character Bobby Orr did not hold back in criticizing MacLean's version of the story, describing the remarks as both inaccurate and deeply disrespectful to Cherry's legacy. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 목에 주름이 생기는 '진짜' 이유 뷰앤디 더 알아보기 Undo 'Suggesting Don Cherry used encouraging people to wear poppies on Remembrance Day as an exit strategy from Coach's Corner, revealing he had pneumonia in 2019 and that he doesn't have many friends, I have only one thing to say to you Ron MacLean: Shame on you.' Orr's statement has been echoed by Cherry's family, including his son Tim, who flatly denied any hospitalization or planned exit, stating that Cherry never intended to leave the show prior to his dismissal. A legacy fractured by controversy and regret The MacLean-Cherry duo, once synonymous with Canadian hockey culture, has long since fractured under the weight of Cherry's dismissal. While MacLean later apologized for not condemning Cherry's poppy comments during the live broadcast, Cherry expressed deep disappointment, believing his co-host abandoned him in a moment of need. With Bobby Orr stepping into the fray, this decades-long relationship now appears irreparably damaged—one that once brought passion and color to Saturday night hockey but now symbolizes a cultural divide. Also Read: Stanley Cup shame sparks Oilers' panic move—goalie coach out as franchise refuses to face roster truth Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Tom's Guide
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
Prime Video's new psychological thriller series gets first trailer — and I'm already prepared for the dark mind games
Prime Video just dropped the first trailer for its upcoming psychological thriller 'The Girlfriend,' based on the bestselling novel by Michelle Frances. The newly released trailer introduces Laura (Robin Wright), a wealthy art gallery owner who grows suspicious of her son's charming new girlfriend, Cherry (Olivia Cooke). As tensions rise between the two women, the series dives into a twisted battle of power, leaving viewers to question who's telling the truth and who's playing a dangerous game. This six-part series premieres September 10 and looks full of mind games, which I love especially when thrillers double as character studies. Not to mention the juicy drama at the center of it all. In 'The Girlfriend,' Laura has a successful career, a devoted husband, and a son she adores. She wants nothing more than Daniel's (Laurie Davidson) happiness, but from the moment she meets his new girlfriend, Cherry, something feels off. The teaser hints at a fiery romance between Daniel and Cherry, while Laura observes that her son speaks about Cherry differently than he ever has about his previous partners. Yet, subtle exchanges between the women, along with secretive glimpses of Cherry doing something sinister behind closed doors, suggest she might have a hidden agenda. This suspicion is heightened when, during a wedding celebration, a cake cut reveals blood instead of sweetness, showing just how much Cherry's presence could unravel Laura's seemingly perfect world. Thankfully the first teaser doesn't give much away, but it's certainly piqued my interest. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Along with the trailer and release date, we also got an official synopsis: 'Based on Michelle Frances' novel of the same name, The Girlfriend follows Laura (Wright), a woman who seemingly has it all: a glittering career, a loving husband, and her precious son, Daniel. Her perfect life begins to unravel when Daniel brings home Cherry (Cooke), a girlfriend who changes everything. After a tense introduction, Laura becomes convinced Cherry is hiding something. Is she a manipulative social climber, or is Laura just paranoid? The truth is a matter of perspective.' The cast also features Waleed Zuaiter, Tayna Moodie, Shalom Brune-Franklin, Karen Henthorn, Anna Chancellor, Leo Suter, and Francesca Corney. The television adaptation of the series is by Naomi Sheldon, a British writer and actress known for her acclaimed play 'Good Girl' and work on shows like 'Malory Towers,' and Gabbie Asher, a seasoned screenwriter whose credits include 'The Tattooist of Auschwitz' and 'Leonardo.' In a conversation with Leslie A. Lindsay, Frances shared insights into the inspiration behind the story of her novel: 'There is a moment about halfway through the novel when Daniel's mom, Laura, decides to do the most awful thing and tells a lie like no other. It was this lie that got me thinking about how such a scenario could exist – how could a character like Laura justify saying such a thing? And from there grew the story.' I'm all about stories with characters who are morally gray, so knowing neither Laura nor Cherry are simply good or bad makes this way more interesting than your typical thriller. Plus, even from the trailer alone, Wright and Cooke have so much tension that the drama practically sizzles off the screen. You can see how this drama unfolds when 'The Girlfriend' lands on Prime Video on September 10. In the meantime, see what's new on Prime Video in July 2025.
Edmonton Journal
a day ago
- Politics
- Edmonton Journal
'Shame on you': Cherry vs MacLean, biggest feud in Canada's culture war, blows up big time
Article content But immigrants who come to Canada and refuse to put behind violent, old world feuds with other groups, and who deplore what Canada stands for and decry our traditions, they aren't above criticism, correct? Article content The need to stand up for Canada has come into ever more clear focus since Cherry's statement in 2019, with many Canadians hammering away at the country's founding father John A. Macdonald, ripping down statues of him and taking his name off of public buildings. Local politicians have been loathe to celebrate Canada Day. They wanted to treat it as a some kind of day of self-loathing mourning. We've also seen rallies on our streets where radicals have chanted, 'Death to Canada.' Article content It was only with the rise of Trump and his perceived threat to Canada that many Canadians suddenly rediscovered their patriotism. Perhaps if many of the same people now wrapping themselves in the flag weren't leading the charge to fire Cherry they'd have more credibility. Article content Article content 3. The firing of Cherry remains an open wound in Canada. MacLean just gave it a good poke. He's getting plenty of pushback on it just now, as seen by Bobby Orr's comment. Article content The latest turn comes from the Toronto Sun's Joe Warmington, him reporting that after Joyce's story appeared, MacLean went over to Cherry's house to apologize. Article content I'll leave the last word here to Warmington, who has done much to get out Cherry's side of the story over the years. Article content Writes the Sun columnist: 'Cherry should be bestowed every hockey accolade there is and the Order of Canada, too — for his hockey contributions, but also for his avid support of Canada, its military, police, first responders and nationalism. There is nobody more about Canadian hockey or Canadian patriotism than him. On top of that, he should be reinstated by Sportsnet so he can retire with the honour he deserves after six decades as a player, coach and broadcaster. No one is saying Cherry should go back on air, but they could do it symbolically. They could do a special segment with Cherry and MacLean one last time on his porch, as I have done numerous times since they threw him under the bus.' Article content
Edmonton Journal
2 days ago
- Sport
- Edmonton Journal
WARMINGTON: After MacLean's overdue apology to Grapes, others need to follow suit
Article content It was a sorry excuse for how to treat a longtime friend and partner, one that deserved a big 'I'm sorry' from one broadcast star to an even bigger legend. Article content That mea culpa had to happen and now it has. Article content Article content Cherry was owed the apology. He is owed one from MacLean for what he did back then — essentially saving his own hide and throwing his partner to the wolves. But his comments in the Kingston Whig Standard, which ran in other Postmedia papers, were unconscionable. Article content MacLean told award-winning sports scribe Gare Joyce, 'I think that pneumonia scare was it. The pneumonia said to Don, 'It's time.' He had to think, 'Why is this grind suddenly so hard?' He was ready to have an exit strategy. From that moment on, he was plotting a way out. The first opportunity (to end Coach's Corner) was going to be a happy one for Don. And I thought he did it well.' Article content Article content The story also said Cherry was in a Boston hospital as a result of the pneumonia. Article content Article content Cherry said he was not in a Boston hospital, did not miss time on his show that season or the beginning of the next and did not orchestrate his exit. In fact, he told the Toronto Sun he feels management was looking for a way to move him along. Article content Whether the information was correct or not, MacLean should not have talked about Cherry's health nor made the suggestion his departure was the result of an elaborate 'exit strategy.' Article content BREAKING— Cherry disputes MacLean's claim 'Poppygate' was TV exit strategy | Toronto Sun — Joe Warmington (@joe_warmington) July 12, 2025
Toronto Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Toronto Sun
WARMINGTON: After MacLean's overdue apology to Grapes, others need to follow suit
Cherry says former co-host apologized for interview commenting on his health, alleged Sportsnet 'exit strategy' Get the latest from Joe Warmington straight to your inbox Then-Hockey Night in Canada co-hosts Ron MacLean, left, and Don Cherry listen to an announcement at a news conference in 2014. Photo by Craig Robertson / Toronto Sun It was a sorry excuse for how to treat a longtime friend and partner, one that deserved a big 'I'm sorry' from one broadcast star to an even bigger legend. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account That mea culpa had to happen and now it has. Ron MacLean has apologized, Don Cherry said, for his media interview suggesting his former partner was in a hospital in Boston in 2019 and that the illness led to Grapes planning an exit strategy from Coach's Corner . This was confirmed by Cherry himself. 'Ron came by the house Sunday and he said he was sorry,' said Grapes of his partner of more than 35 years on Hockey Night in Canada before the infamous 'Poppygate scandal' that got Cherry fired from Rogers Sportsnet in 2019. The front page for the Sunday, July 13, 2025, edition of the Toronto Sun. Photo by Toronto Sun Cherry was owed the apology. He is owed one from MacLean for what he did back then — essentially saving his own hide and throwing his partner to the wolves. But his comments in the Kingston Whig Standard , which ran in other Postmedia papers, were unconscionable. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. MacLean told award-winning sports scribe Gare Joyce, 'I think that pneumonia scare was it. The pneumonia said to Don, 'It's time.' He had to think, 'Why is this grind suddenly so hard?' He was ready to have an exit strategy. From that moment on, he was plotting a way out. The first opportunity (to end Coach's Corner ) was going to be a happy one for Don. And I thought he did it well.' Read More The story also said Cherry was in a Boston hospital as a result of the pneumonia. Cherry said he was not in a Boston hospital, did not miss time on his show that season or the beginning of the next and did not orchestrate his exit. In fact, he told the Toronto Sun he feels management was looking for a way to move him along. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Whether the information was correct or not, MacLean should not have talked about Cherry's health nor made the suggestion his departure was the result of an elaborate 'exit strategy.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Cherry said he was 'disappointed' MacLean would do that and that he wasn't welcome at his home any more. But MacLean went to his home. How that meetings went is unknown. MacLean has not returned a request for a comment and other than Cherry confirming it happened, he declined to say much other than he 'ignored' what he was told. Cherry told me Saturday that he didn't have any feelings for MacLean anymore. In a letter to the editor Monday in the Toronto Sun , Hockey Hall of Famer Bobby Orr wrote, 'I only have one thing to say to you Ron MacLean. Shame on you.' Legendary @BobbyOrr speaks out in a letter to the editor in the Toronto Sun on @Ron_MacLean revealing details about @CoachsCornerDC 's illness in 2019 and assertions the poppygate scandal was utliized by Grapes as an exit strategy because being tired -- Cherry has already… — Joe Warmington (@joe_warmington) July 14, 2025 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. While MacLean has not spoken publicly, he is quoted in a Toronto Star column saying, 'I was completely out of line to engage in the conjecture and to share details of Don's health scare in 2019. I am deeply sorry. I've apologized to Don.' It's a start, but it's time to fix the damage done to Cherry by the NHL, Hockey Hall of Fame, Hockey Night in Canada and the federal government. Cherry should be in the Hall of Fame in either the builders' category or the media and broadcast category and this should be done as soon as possible. There is no one outside of the hall who is more deserving of it and there is no one on the broadcast side of the game who has had a bigger impact on the NHL over the last four decades than Cherry. Cherry should also be bestowed the Order of Canada — for his hockey contributions, but also for his avid support of Canada, its military, police, first responders and nationalism. There is nobody more patriotic than him. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. On top of that, he should be reinstated by Sportsnet so he can retire with the honour he deserves after six decades as a player, coach and broadcaster. No one is saying Cherry should go back on air, but they could do it symbolically. They could do a special segment with Cherry and MacLean one last time on his porch, as I have done numerous times since they threw him under the bus. @CoachsCornerDC explains his 'disappointment' in Ron MacLean and that he is not welcome to his home as far as his wife is concerned following a recent interview in which conveys personal health information and unsubstantiated narratives how he left Coach's Corner in 2919 — Joe Warmington (@joe_warmington) July 12, 2025 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. It's not hard. It's the right thing do to. They need to do something. He's 91 and Cherry is an iconic, historic and beloved national treasure. Even those he has criticized have said that. He's never been racist, misogynistic or discriminatory. He just tells it like it is — and that is what made him who he was, why he was so good and the reason his show was appointment viewing for so long. Nobody wanted to miss Coach's Corner . And sorry, Ron, it was not because of you. It was because of Cherry. He was the star of the show. When MacLean was fired back in the day, it was Grapes who worked behind the scenes — and with me on some of it — to get him back on the air. MacLean has not been a good friend to Cherry in return. However, his effort to apologize for this and to try to make things right is appropriate and noted. Now it's time for everybody else who has cast away and cancelled this legend to do the same and make amends on the mistreatment of a great Canadian while they still can. RECOMMENDED VIDEO Columnists NFL Golf Editorial Cartoons World
