Cubs' Matt Shaw attends Charlie Kirk memorial; Mets announcers criticize absence

Matt Shaw, the Cubs' third baseman, was not in the lineup for Sunday's 1-0 loss to the Cincinnati Reds because he attended Charlie Kirk's memorial service in Glendale. The absence drew attention during Tuesday's Mets-Cubs game, when Mets broadcaster Gary Cohen criticized the decision to leave the team during a pennant race.

Cohen called the decision "weird" to leave the team for any reason other than a family emergency. Fellow Mets broadcaster Todd Zeile called Shaw's absence "unprecedented" and noted that it was not disclosed until after it had been decided he might be available in the dugout.

Shaw explained that the memorial was tied to his faith. He said he and Kirk had become friends last offseason after they lived in the same Arizona apartment complex, and that their faith had drawn them together. He recalled being emotional when he learned of Kirk's death at a speaking event in Utah. Shaw said, "The reason Charlie and I connected so close was because of our faith... If people are wondering who I am and what I stand for, I’d say that my faith and the blessings I’ve been given are why I’m able to be here." He added that he felt supported by teammates and Counsell, and that he understood that not everyone would agree with his decision.

Manager Craig Counsell said the Cubs discussed Shaw's absence, and that his decision to attend was ultimately accepted by the club after conversations with Counsell and some teammates. The Cubs later paid tribute to Kirk and urged an end to political violence.

Reaction to the comments from Cohen and Zeile spilled onto social media, with some fans and players criticizing the broadcasters. The Cubs and Kirk's memorial drew attention across the sport as teams around MLB acknowledged his advocacy and his connection to the Cubs.

Shaw's absence came as the Cubs faced the Mets in a new series, with Chicago's schedule continuing as the club seeks to stay in playoff contention.