Cubs player Matt Shaw faced backlash from Mets broadcasters after missing a game against Cincinnati to attend Charlie Kirk’s funeral, which he called a faith-based decision. Gary Cohen critiqued the situation, calling it ‘weird,’ while Todd Zeile deemed it ‘unprecedented.’ Shaw, however, defended his choice, explaining that his deep connection to Kirk, whom he considered a friend and fellow believer, made the memorial an essential part of his faith-driven life. He emphasized that his decision to prioritize the funeral over the game was rooted in his relationship with Kirk and his belief in the importance of honoring friends. Shaw also noted that he and Kirk had become close friends during the MLB season, and Kirk’s assassination left him deeply emotional. The Cubs, along with other MLB teams, have publicly paid tribute to Kirk, condemning political violence in the wake of his death.