Cohen stands by critique of Cubs' Matt Shaw for Charlie Kirk memorial absence; no apology issued

SNY Mets broadcaster Gary Cohen did not apologize on Thursday for criticizing Cubs rookie Matt Shaw for skipping a game to attend Charlie Kirk's memorial, continuing the stance he aired during Tuesday's broadcast as Chicago faced the New York Mets.

Shaw sat out last Sunday’s Cubs-Reds game to attend the Glendale memorial for a friend, a decision Cubs manager Craig Counsell said was made because Shaw was at a funeral. Cohen, who returned to the broadcast booth for Thursday's game, did not reference the criticism when Shaw came up to bat three times, neither reiterating nor walking back his previous remarks.

During the Mets’ victory over the Cubs on Tuesday, Cohen described Shaw’s absence as “weird,” adding, “I don't want to talk about any of the politics of it, but the thought of leaving your team in the middle of a race for any reason other than a family emergency, really strikes me as weird.” The remark immediately drew attention from fans and commentators, with some vowing to boycott the team until Cohen offered an apology.

The backlash extended beyond the booth. Fellow Mets broadcaster Todd Zeile called Shaw's absence “unprecedented,” saying it was unusual for a player to be unavailable and not disclosed ahead of the lineup. Zeile noted that Shaw’s absence wasn’t publicly explained until after the team learned the truth, and he described the situation as a learning moment for players and teams navigating personal commitments during a tight pennant race. In a post on X, Mikey McCoy, Charlie Kirk’s former chief of staff, criticized Cohen, calling attention to the memorial and suggesting Shaw’s attendance reflected a personal bond between Shaw and Kirk.

Shaw, speaking with Chicago reporters on Tuesday before the Cubs opened a series with the Mets, explained that faith guided his decision. “My connection with Charlie was through our [Christian] faith,” Shaw said, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. “That’s something that drives me every day, the reason why I’m able to do what I do every day, and that’s something I’m extremely thankful for. So whatever backlash comes is OK. I feel strong about my faith and that what was meant to be happened.”

As Thursday’s game unfolded, Shaw again came to the plate three times, and Cohen did not reference the earlier comments or offer an apology. The broadcast team did not indicate any changes to Cohen’s stance, and there was no public retraction from SNY in the hours after the game.

The incident has kept sports discussions in the spotlight regarding how athletes balance personal commitments with team obligations, particularly when memorials or faith-based events intersect with a professional schedule. Fans and observers have debated whether public figures should be obligated to explain personal decisions, and whether broadcasters should weigh in on players’ off-field choices when they affect on-field performance.

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The evolving conversation underscores the broad reach of sports media coverage when a single on-air moment resonates with fans, players, and the teams involved. As Shaw continues to navigate his role with the Cubs, both he and the organization may face continued scrutiny from multiple angles, including how personal beliefs and personal commitments are communicated to the public during the season.