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More Cherry Fallout

October 11, 2011, 7:32 AM ET [ Comments]
Paul McCann
Nashville Predators Blogger •Predators Radio Network • RSSArchiveCONTACT
The Don Cherry affair refuses to go away. This statement was released about an hour ago…

STATEMENT OF STU GRIMSON, CHRIS NILAN & JIM THOMSON

October 11, 2011 – The law firm Kay, Griffin, Enkema & Colbert today issued the following statement on behalf of Messrs. Grimson, Nilan and Thomson:

“During CBC’s broadcast of Coach’s Corner on October 6, 2011, Don Cherry inserted himself into a prominent debate involving the recent tragic deaths of three (3) NHL players, drug addiction, alcohol abuse and mental illness. In doing so, Mr. Cherry targeted the above-named individuals, some of whom have suffered from such diseases, as a result of views they previously expressed. Mr. Cherry’s comments were more than inappropriate; they were baseless and slanderous. Furthermore, Mr. Cherry’s subsequent attempt to
qualify his comments on October 8, 2011, was entirely ineffectual. Mr. Cherry’s conduct throughout has demonstrated a complete lack of decency. In light of the damaging and inflammatory nature of Mr. Cherry’s comments, Messrs. Grimson, Nilan and Thomson are considering further recourse.”


Cherry has attempted to clarify, reluctantly inferring that using the phrase “bunch of pukes” maybe shouldn’t have been used, clearly trying to lock the barn door after the horse has escaped. But that attempt at walking back his comments has not appeased the targets of his comments… clearly.

This one is going to get interesting. I’ve often wondered why people who deliberately say inflammatory (and sometimes defamatory) things then look around in wonder when people get upset. As Americans and Canadians, we certainly have the right to say what is on our mind. We also have the right to be held accountable for what we say. Sometimes commentators forget that… then when reminded, they try and claim that their rights have been infringed upon. Don Cherry hasn’t done that… yet.

So let’s get down to the bottom line… Do I believe Don Cherry should be fired? No. But I do believe that he owes Messrs. Grimson, Milan and Thomson one large and very public apology. He went over the line here, insulting three men who are concerned for the long term health of the game and the players.

Stu Grimson will join Pete Weber and I tomorrow night on SlapShot Radio to discuss this… tune it at 6pm central on 102.5 the Game.

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On the next SlapShot Radio

This week’s SlapShot Radio will feature Stu Grimson, talking to us about Don Cherry’s silly comments on HNIC. Also, Bob Heethuis will join us to preview the Coyotes game. SlapShot Radio is on every Wednesday night at 6 on 102.5 the Game.

The season premier of SlapShot Radio was a roaring success on our new home, 102.5 the Game! We did our NHL annual preview show featuring Sportsnet’s Jeff Marek and legendary Pittsburgh Penguin play by play man Mike Lange. Then Pete, Charlie and I previewed the Preds.

Wait what? You say you were spinning around the wrong places on the dial… you missed it???

Not to worry… the podcast is posted on the SlapShot Radio website.

Click here to listen...

Click here to subscribe via iTunes or RSS…
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