BREAKING: Ron MacLean apologizes for ‘homophobic’ joke as fans demand his removal from Hockey Night in Canada

MacLean posted the apology the following day, explaining to viewers that he was sorry, and that his words were misinterpreted.

"First and foremost," wrote MacLean, "I regret and apologize for what happened last night," said MacLean, explaining that he was trying to convey that Kevin [Bieksa] would be testing positive for the rum."

"I understand that when others are within "earshot" of a 2-way conversation, the potential for a misunderstanding exists," MacLean continued.

"I am deeply sorry. The idea of language of intention, of personal responsibility, I have seen those concepts used as broad exoneration. It's not enough."

MacLean specifically apologized to his allies in the LGBTQ2S+ Community and to his co-workers.

"I appreciate the power of the voices who spoke to me last night and this morning. It provides a sense of possibility. It's how change works," the statement concludes.

The comment in question was made while MacLean was addressing analyst Bieksa. MacLean said, "You have a photo of a man with his tarp off, you're definitely positive for something."

MacLean's apology explains that he was attempting to say that Bieksa would be testing positive for rum, not HIV or AIDS, as many had assumed.

MacLean was largely silent when his longtime broadcasting partner Don Cherry was cancelled and mobbed out of his job on Remembrance Day 2019 for saying that recent immigrants to Canada should honour those who fought for our freedom and way of life they came here to enjoy.