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BREAKING: Don Cherry out following poppy comment controversy

Move announced this afternoon
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Don Cherry coaches his team at the top prospects game in this Jan. 25, 2018 file photo taken at Guelph's Sleeman Centre. Tony Saxon/GuelphToday

Canadian hockey icon Don Cherry has appeared on Hockey Night In Canada's Coach's Corner for the last time.

He and Sportsnet have decided to immediately part ways after divisive comments by the 85-year-old on Saturday's broadcast.

Cherry seemingly singled out new immigrants in Toronto and Mississauga on-air, for not honouring Canada's veterans and dead soldiers.

"You people... you love our way of life, you love our milk and honey, at least you can pay a couple bucks for a poppy or something like that," Cherry said on Saturday's edition of Coach's Corner. "These guys paid for your way of life that you enjoy in Canada, these guys paid the biggest price."

Sportsnet Presidents Bart Yabsley apologized for Cherry's comments on Sunday, but released the following statement, Monday:

Cherry has been on Coach’s Corner since 1982 when the program was first started on CBC.

Coach’s Corner joined Sportsnet’s NHL coverage after Rogers acquired the NHL television rights in 2014.

- Rogers Media/OttawaMatters.com