New York sports radio hosts Gregg Giannotti and Boomer Esiason defended Chicago Cubs third baseman Matt Shaw after Mets play-by-play announcer Gary Cohen criticized the player for skipping a game to attend Charlie Kirk’s memorial in Arizona. Giannotti and Esiason took issue with Cohen’s remarks, arguing that the broadcaster’s comments were politically motivated and lacked empathy for Shaw’s personal circumstances. Shaw, who attended the memorial for his friend Charlie Kirk, explained that his decision was driven by faith and a desire to honor their connection, despite the Cubs’ ongoing pennant race.
Cohen, whose commentary sparked widespread debate, stated that missing a game during a pennant race was unusual, but Giannotti and Esiason criticized the broadcaster for not considering Shaw’s personal relationship with Kirk. Giannotti argued that Cohen’s frustration was rooted in the player’s political affiliations rather than the circumstances of the event itself. Esiason added that the issue became politicized the moment Cohen mentioned Shaw’s absence, suggesting that the broadcaster’s stance reflected a broader ideological bias.
Shaw, in a pre-game interview, emphasized that his attendance at the memorial was a personal decision tied to his faith and the friendship he shared with Kirk. He acknowledged that his absence from the game might affect the Cubs’ chances in the pennant race, but he stood by his choice, stating that his motivations were rooted in gratitude and spiritual connection. Shaw also noted that his relationship with Kirk, who was a passionate Cubs fan, made the decision to attend the memorial a deeply personal one.
Cohen’s critique of Shaw’s absence came during a mid-game broadcast, and his comments were later amplified by his broadcasting partner, former major league player Todd Zeile, who echoed similar sentiments. Zeile suggested that the decision to miss a game for a memorial was unprecedented and raised questions about the player’s commitment to the team. However, Giannotti and Esiason countered that the situation required context and empathy, urging the public to consider the personal significance of Shaw’s actions.
The incident has sparked a broader discussion about the role of personal beliefs in professional sports and the pressures athletes face when balancing team responsibilities with personal obligations. While the Cubs lost the game 1-0 to the Cincinnati Reds, the controversy surrounding Shaw’s decision highlights the complex interplay between public perception and individual choices in the sports world.