WARMINGTON: Don Cherry backs Bobby Orr — a fellow Trump booster

Article content continued

Grapes said people should be entitled to their own opinion and it should not challenge friendships.

“An example is I think Trump is winning this and my son, Tim, doesn’t think so,” explained Cherry. “On our Grapevine Podcast, I did bet him $200 on it and told him to bring the money to count out next week.”

Cherry said if he has to be the one paying out the $200, he’ll hold no hard feelings.

“Tim’s entitled to his opinion, and I am entitled to mine,” said Cherry. “It does not change our relationship.”

As for people writing off others for their political beliefs, Cherry knows better than anyone how that works.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

Last Remembrance Day, he lost his position on Coach’s Corner on Hockey Night in Canada after uttering strong words about people not wearing poppies.

The only person in hockey who stuck up for him was the same Bobby Orr.

“He’s always been a person of character,” said Grapes. “You could count on him when you need him.”

Orr took backlash then, too, but also gained much respect for not only being a friend in good times. The legend was there for Grapes when the same politically correct pack was piling on him.

The sports writers who have lambasted Orr are entitled to their opinions — as is this writer.

More On This Topic

Shouting down somebody for their free speech or their electoral choice seems arrogant. Who says their position is the only acceptable one? Cancelling people based on their political choices defies what freedom is about.

Meanwhile, many Hollywood stars have flocked to the Biden camp without any fear of repercussions. It’s not lost on Cherry that there would be no backlash if Orr was voting for Biden and his running mate for vice-president, Kamala Harris.

“You are in real trouble, it seems, if you support Trump, but I don’t care,” said Cherry. “It’s interesting how Bobby Orr is for Trump and so is Jack Nicklaus. The greatest ever hockey player and the greatest golfer to ever live.”

Now, they can add “The Coach” to the list of celebrities hoping that Trump wins Tuesday’s election.

jwarmington@postmedia.com