Wednesday 1 May 2013

An open letter to Don Cherry


Dear Mr. Cherry:
You seem … unhappy.
You seem … impatient.
You seem … like you’ve had enough.
....DON CHERRY
So could this be your last playoffs, and even your last season being on Coach’s Corner?
I bring this to your attention following your show Wednesday night on Hockey Night In Canada, during the first intermission of the Boston Bruin-Toronto Maple Leaf game.
You poured more fuel on the controversy you evoked Saturday night when you said women reporters do not belong in the dressing room by re-affirming your position.
You seemed frustrated with your co-host Ron MacLean, and, at one point snapped: “Do your job here. Let’s go.”
Coach’s Corner was obviously tight for time at the end of the segment. You were hoping to talk about Minnesota Wild goaltender Josh Harding. When MacLean explained you were out of time, you had an exasperated look on your face.
And just before the camera switched off, you said:
“This is ridiculous. Watch what comes on after.”
Hmmm.
I am wondering, in all honesty, if you are getting tired: tired of the grind of every Saturday coming up with something new to say? Tired of … doing the same thing?
You’ve entertained millions of viewers since you first started with 1981 with CBC.
Some love your stuff.
Others … well, they disagree. And your latest controversy on female reporters has certainly awoke people, in and of the game, who aren’t your fans.
But there’s something else very apparent to me.
Especially after Wednesday’s show.
It seemed like work for you. I know, I know: part of the show is to create some friction between you and MacLean. It wouldn’t be as entertaining if the two of you smiled at each other for seven minutes and agreed with one another.
We expect controversy from you.
But I see a deeper level of something from you. I can’t put my finger on it but I really sense something.
Over the years, I have had the pleasure of meeting you and sharing time with you.
The one thing I have always been struck with is what a proud man you are; someone who calls your own number, and creates your own destiny.
I know how much it would hurt you if the powers at be at CBC made the decision for you to go.
This is something you don’t already know.
We all come to a crossroad in life when it’s time to move on. Perhaps you are at that point.
If this is, indeed, your last season, you have earned the right to end things — not for network executives, producers, advertisers or viewers.
But for yourself.
Sincerely,
Cam 

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