During a recent game between the New York Mets and the Chicago Cubs, broadcaster Gary Cohen faced immediate backlash for his comments regarding Cubs rookie Matt Shaw’s decision to skip the game to attend the memorial for former conservative influencer Charlie Kirk. Cohen, who is a well-known figure in sports broadcasting, remarked that Shaw’s absence from the game was ‘weird,’ a statement that has since sparked widespread discussion and criticism, particularly among fans and fellow commentators.
Cohen’s remarks took place during a game that ended in a Mets victory, where Shaw was reportedly absent from the team’s lineup. The situation has raised questions about the balance between personal obligations and professional responsibilities. Shaw’s absence was not disclosed beforehand, which has led to further scrutiny and calls for transparency from the Cubs organization. Fellow Mets broadcaster Todd Zeile has also weighed in on the situation, calling Shaw’s absence ‘unprecedented,’ and emphasizing the importance of prior communication when such personal events affect a player’s availability for games.
In addition to the commentary from within the sports community, the situation has also drawn attention from Charlie Kirk’s former chief of staff, Mikey McCoy. McCoy, who was closely associated with Kirk, took to his social media platform, X, to voice his disapproval of Cohen’s remarks. McCoy highlighted the personal significance of Shaw’s attendance at the memorial, noting the deep connection between Shaw and Kirk through their shared faith. This has opened up a broader conversation about the public’s right to comment on personal choices and the responsibilities of public figures to address such issues with sensitivity and respect.
Shaw himself has spoken about the personal motivation behind his attendance at Kirk’s memorial. In an interview with the Chicago Sun-Times, Shaw explained that his attendance was a matter of deep personal significance, rooted in his faith. He emphasized that his decision was driven by his belief in the importance of his spiritual connection with Kirk and the gratitude he feels for the opportunities he has been given in his career. Shaw’s comments have also underscored the broader discussion about the expectations placed on athletes to balance their personal lives with professional obligations, and the potential consequences of making such decisions in a public light.
The controversy surrounding Cohen’s remarks has also led to calls for accountability and reflection within the sports broadcasting community. The incident raises important questions about the influence and responsibility that public figures, including sports commentators, have when making public statements that can impact the lives and careers of athletes. As the discussion continues, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold and whether there will be any formal responses or consequences for Cohen’s comments.