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.
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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