Bobby Orr Speaks out - Globe and Mail
Feb 13, 2004 12:31:29 GMT -5
Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Feb 13, 2004 12:31:29 GMT -5
If you don't like Don, change the channel
By BOBBY ORR
Friday, February 13, 2004 - Page A21
I'm writing in response to the recent controversy surrounding comments made by Don Cherry.
It has been reported that the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation has told Don to "confine his comments to the game of hockey."
The CBC should recognize that the use of face shields in hockey has become an issue in today's game, and it needs to be addressed. Don was hired by the CBC to give his perspective and, while I may not always agree with everything my old coach has to say, I most certainly believe that he should have a right to voice his opinion.
He has never been one to shy away from an issue; so, often, his insights might touch a nerve. While some people may have found Don's comments to be upsetting, there is no doubt in my mind that his words were never meant to offend or disparage French Canadians or Europeans. Personally, I have no idea if the statistics support Don's contentions with respect to who does or does not wear a face shield in the NHL. Regardless of the data, we should all be able to speak our minds without fearing this type of retribution.
Every week, without fail, I receive a fax or phone call from Don. He is inevitably contacting me to ask for some assistance. The help is never for him personally, but rather for someone or some organization across the country.
How many times has Don gone on Coach's Corner and put in a good word for a cause or a person in need? The geographic location, ethnicity or race of the people involved is always inconsequential.
No one has the slightest idea of the work this man does for others because he never publicizes it or looks for recognition. But I know because I see it first-hand. Given what Don does for charitable causes, for anyone to even remotely imply that he is in any way racist or prejudiced against any group is ludicrous, and as far from the truth as you can get.
And so, to those who strongly disagree with Don's job performance or with whatever opinion he is determined to express, rather than make such an issue of it, you can simply change the channel. If enough people share your view, your response will be heard.
Former Boston Bruins defenceman Bobby Orr is a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame and head of the Orr Hockey Group.
By BOBBY ORR
Friday, February 13, 2004 - Page A21
I'm writing in response to the recent controversy surrounding comments made by Don Cherry.
It has been reported that the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation has told Don to "confine his comments to the game of hockey."
The CBC should recognize that the use of face shields in hockey has become an issue in today's game, and it needs to be addressed. Don was hired by the CBC to give his perspective and, while I may not always agree with everything my old coach has to say, I most certainly believe that he should have a right to voice his opinion.
He has never been one to shy away from an issue; so, often, his insights might touch a nerve. While some people may have found Don's comments to be upsetting, there is no doubt in my mind that his words were never meant to offend or disparage French Canadians or Europeans. Personally, I have no idea if the statistics support Don's contentions with respect to who does or does not wear a face shield in the NHL. Regardless of the data, we should all be able to speak our minds without fearing this type of retribution.
Every week, without fail, I receive a fax or phone call from Don. He is inevitably contacting me to ask for some assistance. The help is never for him personally, but rather for someone or some organization across the country.
How many times has Don gone on Coach's Corner and put in a good word for a cause or a person in need? The geographic location, ethnicity or race of the people involved is always inconsequential.
No one has the slightest idea of the work this man does for others because he never publicizes it or looks for recognition. But I know because I see it first-hand. Given what Don does for charitable causes, for anyone to even remotely imply that he is in any way racist or prejudiced against any group is ludicrous, and as far from the truth as you can get.
And so, to those who strongly disagree with Don's job performance or with whatever opinion he is determined to express, rather than make such an issue of it, you can simply change the channel. If enough people share your view, your response will be heard.
Former Boston Bruins defenceman Bobby Orr is a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame and head of the Orr Hockey Group.
