The Politics of Friendship.........Loyalty (HNIC)

Like many Canadians, my partner and I stayed home last night for two "must see" television show.  We wanted to see what happened on the first intermission of Hockey Night in Toronto, I mean Canada.  We also wanted to see what SNL was going to do about the Impeachment Hearings. 

It probably was the most watched HNIC first intermission in a long time.  Lots of speculation.  Would it be Coach's Corner with a new Coach?  Would they do a "tribute" to Don Cherry?  There were some that even thought that Don Cherry would be returning due to popular tweets.  Some thought Jess Allen would be on to put her foot further in her mouth.  I, of course, was cheering for the return of Peter Puck. 

There was also considerable pressure but on Ron MacLean to defend his friend, to announce his departure in solidarity with Cherry.  A true friend would do that.  A true friend would chose loyalty over principle. 

I have to tell you that television raises the stakes considerably.  However, I have had experience on both sides of this one. 

I had a long term job with a horrible company.  Of course, while I was working there, I did my best to not believe what I knew was true.  I, like a typical human, looked for evidence that confirmed my thesis rather than evidence to refute it.  There were many troubling things happening that I chose to look the other way.  This company didn't treat employees well.  My boss had a number of close calls to being fired.  Each time, as her friend, I would pledge my loyalty.  If she went, I was going to in solidarity.  Well, she left and not by her choice.  I stayed.  It didn't feel good and it wasn't a principled decision.  I just wanted a pay cheque.  Then, after a cooling period, it seemed to be that I would be the next person leaving involuntarily.  Three integral members of our management team swore that if I was gone, they would resign in solidarity.  Well, I am no longer there and they still are.  I understand.  Everyone's ultimate loyalty is to their family.  No one wants to risk not being able to afford their car payments for the principle of loyalty. 

What we got from MacLean was a confusing rambling monologue.  It seemed sincere and unscripted but MacLean has had decades in television and has gone from a broadcaster to a seasoned and savvy actor.  So, it is hard to believe that what he said wasn't carefully scripted. 

I believe he was sincerely sorry for what happened.  Not, because of Cherry's firing, but because MacLean himself has built him fame on Coach's Corner as well.  The perfect foil to his ramblings.  I also feel that he feels guilty for what happened to Cherry.  MacLean knew his job.  Wind Cherry up and let him go.  Unfortunately, Cherry wasn't in on that.  I believe that Ron MacLean hasn't been really listening for years so that is why he didn't interrupt him. 

MacLean also indicated that there were lots of meetings and conversations on Monday with management of Sportsnet.  He indicated that both of them were given a path to continue on the network.  MacLean chose to go down that path.  Cherry did not want to go down that path.  So, it may be a fine point, but one that is not lost on me.  He was given a path to continue.  He chose not to.  So, was he really fired or resigned.  I note that there has been no media saying that Cherry is going to sue for wrongful dismissal.  He effectively resigned.  Perhaps, it is really Cherry that is not being loyal to MacLean.  If Cherry wanted to show loyalty to MacLean, he would have done what was necessary to continue with Coach's Corner.  It appears that Cherry, an 85 year old man, with 37 years doing the same job, was just tired and ready to retire. 

By the way, Saturday Night Live was very funny and had a few laugh out loud movements, but, they didn't knock it out of the park. 

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