During a recent broadcast, Gary Cohen, the lead announcer for SNY’s New York Mets, didn’t address criticisms aimed at Chicago Cubs player Matt Shaw for missing a game to attend a memorial service for Charlie Kirk. This came just after Cohen’s remarks about Shaw missing a game, which he called “strange” during the Mets’ victory over the Cubs.
Although Cohen returned to the booth on Thursday, he chose not to revisit the issue or apologize for his previous comments. In the previous game, the Cubs lost 1-0 to the Cincinnati Reds, and it was noted that Shaw had been unavailable due to attending a funeral for a friend, a situation acknowledged by manager Craig Counsel.
Cohen had articulated his disapproval regarding Shaw’s absence, suggesting that it was unusual for a player to leave during a game for non-family related reasons. His original remarks sparked backlash, with some fans in social media pledging to boycott the team unless Cohen issued an apology. This sentiment was echoed by Charlie Kirk’s former Chief of Staff, Mikey McCoy, who criticized Cohen’s statement in a post that highlighted Shaw’s friendship with Kirk.
Shaw, when asked why he prioritized attending the memorial over the game, expressed that his bond with Kirk was rooted in their shared Christian faith. He emphasized how that connection drives him in his career, stating, “I feel really blessed,” and added that he respects the backlash he’s received while standing firmly by his faith.
Fellow Mets broadcaster, Todd Zeil, commented that such an absence is rare in baseball, noting the unusual timing of the announcement regarding Shaw’s unavailability.
