Bobby Orr Rebukes Ron MacLean Over Don Cherry Health, Exit Claims

The longstanding feud between Ron MacLean and Don Cherry, former co-hosts of Hockey Night in Canada, has been reignited by MacLean's recent claims that Cherry used his 2019 "Poppygate" controversy as an exit strategy prompted by a serious pneumonia scare. MacLean suggested that Cherry's health issues made the demanding broadcast schedule unsustainable, leading him to orchestrate his departure, a narrative strongly rejected by Cherry, his family, and hockey legend Bobby Orr, who accused MacLean of disrespect and spreading falsehoods. The controversy began with Cherry's 2019 on-air comments criticizing immigrants for not wearing Remembrance Day poppies, which led to his dismissal and public fallout with MacLean, who initially nodded along but later apologized for the remarks. MacLean defended his perspective by describing Cherry's final broadcast as a "last swing" reflecting his combative nature and claimed that both men took their stands on the issue, framing Cherry's exit as ultimately liberating. Despite their three decades of partnership, the duo's relationship remains fractured, with Cherry feeling betrayed by MacLean's recent statements. This episode highlights deep divisions not only in hockey culture but also in Canadian society, reflecting tensions between traditionalist and progressive viewpoints.