Steve Downie criticizes Don Cherry, Arizona Coyotes in Twitter rant

Longtime NHL right wing Steve Downie unleashed a series of tweets directed at former hockey player, coach and current commentator Don Cherry as well as the Arizona Coyotes criticizing them for their negative impact on the game.

Downie blamed Cherry's "Rock'em Sock'em Hockey" highlights for inspiring a generation of players, himself included, to glorify devastating hits and fights.

"That hit is what happens when you watch (Don Cherry) rock em sock em videos from age 5 to 18. Nothing good comes from those (videos)," Downie wrote on Twitter in response to an image showing his hit on former Ottawa Senators center Dean McAmmond as a member of the Philadelphia Flyers in 2007.

Downie's devastating hit gave McAmmond a concussion and caused him to be stretchered off the ice.

"I just did what I had to do to play," Downie wrote. "I still think about what I did to Dean (McAmmond) and what I caused him to go through with his family."

"But again, I did what (Don Cherry) said to do every Saturday night. Just (expletive) disgusted when I look back. Wish I never played."

Downie also claimed that Cherry called him a derogatory term for wearing a visor to protect his eyes.

The 29-year-old Downie is currently a free agent and has played for five teams during his eight-year career -- the Flyers, Tampa Bay Lightning, Colorado Avalanche, Pittsburgh Pengiuns and Coyotes.

He last played with the Coyotes in the 2015-16 season. During his time in Arizona, Downie sustained a concussion and claimed the Coyotes did not call to check on him and sent him to a knee doctor instead of a head specialist.

"When I got a concussion in Philly (I) spent 3 days in the hospital bed. (Late Flyers owner) Ed Snider came and sat next to me just to make sure I was doing OK," Downie tweeted.

Downie called the Coyotes organization "classless" and criticized head coach Dave Tippett and assistant Newell Brown over their poor treatment of players, including former left wing John Scott who was traded to the Montreal Canadiens last Jan. 15.

Scott was reportedly asked by the Coyotes not to participate in the 2016 All-Star Game, but refused.

Downie called Scott "the beat (teammate) I've seen in a long time."

Downie has 76 goals and 196 assists in 434 career NHL games.