MacLean's job is secure: a deemed "homophobic" remark is explained
On Wednesday morning, Ron MacLean began trending on social media for all the wrong reasons. MacLean put himself in danger last night when he tried to crack a joke during the national broadcast of Game 4 between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Montreal Canadiens. His remark sparked outrage on social media, as it was interpreted as "homophobic," and various videos of the footage quickly went viral. «You have a photo of a man with his tarp off, you're definitely positive for something,» MacLean said as analyst Kevin Bieksa was wrapping up a segment.
However, it seems like some other fans - possibly more reasonable - can explain MacLean's comments otherwise. And you have to admit it makes sense:
«MacLean was referencing a picture shown in an earlier segment featuring (I think) Anthony Stewart and Bieksa in a locker room pic. MacLean then noted how «jacked» the athletes were (shirtless of course). The second «joke» is a continuation of the first - positive for steroids.»
The footage on most tweets from outraged fans is taken out of context and can lead to the conclusion that MacLean was making homophobic comment.
Fans have demanded that MacLean be fired from Sportsnet, citing how inappropriate and offensive his ostensibly odd attempt at humor was. The company, as well as MacLean himself, could explain it that way.
We all recall Don Cherry being fired more than a year ago for making racist comments on the air. When his longtime broadcasting partner was fired for saying that recent immigrants to Canada should honor those who fought for the freedom and way of life they came to enjoy, MacLean remained mostly silent. Cherry later expressed his dissatisfaction with his friend's lack of support.
Credit: HockeyFeed
| POLL | ||
MAI 26 | 245 ANSWERS MacLean's job is secure: a deemed "homophobic" remark is explained Is Ron safe for now? | ||
| Yes | 146 | 59.6 % |
| No | 99 | 40.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
![Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Matthew Tkachuk (19) shakes hands with Team Canada forward Sidney Crosby (87) after overtime win by Team Canada during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/531510.webp "Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Matthew Tkachuk (19) shakes hands with Team Canada forward Sidney Crosby (87) after overtime win by Team Canada during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images")
