Kid gets fired for talking to hockey celebrity

[Kang]

newsdurhamregion.com | Oshawa teen fired for chat with Don Cherry

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OSHAWA -- Don Cherry loves it when kids talk to him. But an Oshawa teen has been banned from his job as a volunteer cameraman at the General Motors Centre for doing just that.

Billy Steele, 17, was told approaching a celebrity like Mr. Cherry a few weeks ago was against the rules. The company that runs the centre, Global Spectrum, said Billy is no longer welcome in the building in his capacity as a volunteer with Rogers TV, which covers OHL games there.

The edict outraged Billy's father, Bill Steele, who's filed a human rights complaint alleging workplace discrimination because his son has a severe learning disability.

Cherry said he is "infuriated" with Global Spectrum over the incident.

"I resent the fact that (they've) brought my name into firing a young kid who comes up and asks me about my ties," he said.

The brief encounter Jan. 14 wasn't an issue for the flamboyant Hockey Night in Canada commentator.

"I love it when kids come up and are friendly like that. I welcome kids – that's why I wear those goofy ties," he said, offering to talk to Global Spectrum to get Billy his job back.

The hockey fan was thrilled to meet his idol and joke about Mr. Cherry's colourful wardrobe.

"I love that guy," Billy said. "Just having him make eye contact, it's like, `Holy crap!' He was an awesome guy – unbelievable."

Billy had been warned "numerous times" about violating procedures, which include not initiating conversations with celebrities, said Vince Vella, general manager of the city-owned facility. The Cherry chat was the latest in a series of infractions, he said. "This young man ... continuously fails to comply."

Mr. Vella said they'll review the matter next year, but in the meantime Billy can work in Rogers' truck in the parking lot. Rogers could not be reached for comment.

The teen said the policy was news to him. He says his work at "Rogers College" was his ticket to a career.

"I'm one of their top cameramen," he said. "I want to get a job there one day. ... I'm trying to do something for myself that I actually like."

Billy had a history of getting in trouble with the law and doing poorly in school, his father explained. But since befriending the Oshawa Generals more than a year ago and working with Rogers, he's turned his life around. "Now he's 100 per cent on the right track."

Steele said Billy's disability sometimes causes him to ignore rules.

"Saying hello to Don Cherry is not a crime," said Mr. Steele. "Where's a little discretion here? Where's a little explanation?"

He has filed a complaint with the Human Rights Tribunal against Global Spectrum and the city of Oshawa, claiming $100,000 for punitive damages and Billy's future lost wages.

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I know this kid since I also volunteer for Rogers at the GM Centre. I think this is BS really.

[The Stig]

Awww, this story makes me feel a bit sad. He's so innocent and he's not even getting paid! =(

(Volunteer work, right? As I understood from the article)

[Mizango]

I'd like to ask Don Cherry about those loud ass suits he wears.

That guys got style upon style!

[Kang]

Awww, this story makes me feel a bit sad. He's so innocent and he's not even getting paid! =(

(Volunteer work, right? As I understood from the article)

Yeah its volunteered.

[MrW]

I'd like to ask Don Cherry about those loud ass suits he wears.

That guys got style upon style!

His ties are right up there with Bob Seger's. But this is fucking sad. You would think that the person doing the firing, especially in a company like that would think before they did something so stupid. Did he really not think that this would bring negative media? I feel sorry for the kid. Trying to turn his life around. A tar and feathering is in order.

[Firedemon]

Fuck Roger's, and fuck their shitty internet.

[Dimmauk]

When I worked security at Planet Hollywood, we had very similar rules about celebrities. Sly Stallone and whatever girlfriend he had at the time were the worst, they would fire people for making eye-contact. I'm not joking, they fired a waitress for looking at him.

[Suited Aces]

...was told approaching a celebrity ... a few weeks ago was against the rules.

I see no problem with firing him. He was told the rules, he broke them. Good riddance.

[Mizango]

I can't express how bad ass Don Cherry is.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r...DonCherry1.jpg

How can you NOT approach a man in a suit like that!?

[Tricen]

Rules are made, and if you break them, you suffer the consequences. It's a bit harsh, but the rules were pretty straightforward.

[0ni0n]

Still not sure why celebrities, whom gain fame and fortune because people give them their attention, are so repulsed at the thought of being glanced at.

[Tricen]

It wouldn't surprise me if most celebrities think that majority of the people are on a lower level than them.

[Dimmauk]

I can't express how bad ass Don Cherry is.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r...DonCherry1.jpg

How can you NOT approach a man in a suit like that!?

The dude is an old ass pimp yall. I'd would have asked him if he could be my mentor.

[MrW]

Hes like Robert Tilton mixed with Kat Williams and a hint of Robert Prosky. That man IS a pimp.

[grantlogan]

I would hope to be that snappy a dresser when I reach his age.

[Mizango]

Well Don Cherry is a good guy and I understand rules are rules but he is a volunteer worker. If you know anything about Cherry he does a lot for children, so I understand at being outraged. But you expect a teen, who sees someone he looks up to walk past and not say anything?

lol this is the problem I have with these candy striper fucks that work for "community involvement".


Edit: More Don Cherry awesomeness!

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f1...e3a6b977cf.jpg
http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q...rryflowers.jpg

Play on playa.

Spoiler: show

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q...herryroses.jpg

Spoiler: show

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q...cherrypink.jpg

Spoiler: show

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z...rryreginek.jpg

[Saga]

Kat Williams is terrible, can we leave him out of any discussion regarding actual pimps?

[Vandalhart]

You heard it here folks:

Don Cherry's a pedo. He tries to attract children with flamboyant ties and suits

Just kiddin folks.

The man must have a set on them the size of pool balls to walk around a hockey
arena wearing something like that.

I agree with the Rogers internet statement. Goddamn throttling action *shakes fist*

[MrW]

Kat Williams is terrible, can we leave him out of any discussion regarding actual pimps?

I agree, I can't stand him but that green suit reminded me of him :/

Where does he get the prints for those suits. He's gotta go to like Rooms To Go and just take off the upholstry then get it tailored. Not knocking his style but I prefer suits like this...

http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/2918...5397277B4DC33E

[Woozie]

Where does he even get these clothes?