Sport Cherry says he would not apologize as condition for return

TORONTO (AP) Hockey commentator Don Cherry says the network that fired him ''made it impossible'' for him to address the comments that led to his dismissal.

© APWF FILE _ In this March 24, 2010, file photo, hockey personality Don Cherry, right, speaks during a news conference as actor Jared Keeso is displayed on a video screen while playing Cherry in the bio film "Keep Your Head Up Kid: The Don Cherry Story" in Toronto. Sportsnet cut ties with Cherry on Monday, Nov. 11, 2019, after the veteran hockey commentator called new immigrants "you people" on his "Coach's Corner" segment while claiming they do not wear poppies to honor Canadian veterans. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Darren Calabrese, File)

He says on his new podcast he was unwilling to accept Sportsnet's conditions to have him return following his ''Coach's Corner'' segment on ''Hockey Night in Canada'' on Nov. 9.

Cherry says ''two little words just seemed to set everybody off.'' The 85-year-old broadcaster made remarks many felt were critical of immigrants for not wearing Remembrance Day poppies. Cherry used the phrase ''you people.'' He contends he was not singling out minorities.

Cherry says he was willing to explain the comment but not apologize. He was fired Nov. 11.

The 27-minute ''Grapevine'' podcast featured Cherry and son Tim.