New York Mets announcer Gary Cohen publicly criticized Chicago Cubs rookie Matt Shaw for skipping a key playoff‑race game to attend the memorial for conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Cohen called Shaw’s absence “weird,” saying leaving the team mid‑race “for any reason other than a family emergency” seems unusual.
The Cubs granted Shaw an exemption to miss the Sept. 21 game against the Reds—one they lost 1–0—in order to attend Kirk’s memorial in Arizona. Shaw said he was invited by Kirk’s widow and felt compelled by their personal friendship and shared Christian faith.
Cohen attempted to avoid politicizing his comment, but asserted that the decision was striking simply on its timing. “I don’t want to talk about any of the politics of it, but the thought of leaving your team … really strikes me as weird,” he said. Former MLB player and current broadcaster Todd Zeile, working with Cohen, called Shaw’s absence “unprecedented” and noted that the reason for missing the game was revealed only after it became a story.
Shaw defended his choice. He said he consulted with Cubs management and teammates and got their blessing before traveling to Arizona. He maintained he expected criticism but stood firm: his bond with Kirk was rooted in faith, and he believed attending the service was right.
The incident has sparked debate about where personal conviction conflicts with professional responsibilities, especially in high-stakes sports contexts.
