TORONTO — Hockey commentator Don Cherry says the network that fired him “made it impossible” for him to address the comments that led to his dismissal.

He says on his new podcast he was unwilling to accept Sportsnet’s conditions to have him return following his “Coach’s Corner” segment on “Hockey Night in Canada” on Nov. 9.

Cherry says “two little words just seemed to set everybody off.” The 85-year-old broadcaster made remarks many felt were critical of immigrants for not wearing Remembrance Day poppies. Cherry used the phrase “you people.” He contends he was not singling out minorities.

Cherry says he was willing to explain the comment but not apologize. He was fired Nov. 11.

The 27-minute “Grapevine” podcast featured Cherry and son Tim.