During a recent game between the New York Mets and the Chicago Cubs, a comment made by Mets announcer Gary Cohen sparked controversy. Cohen expressed surprise that Cubs third baseman Matt Shaw missed a game to attend the memorial service for Charlie Kirk, a conservative commentator who was recently assassinated.
Cohen, who was calling the game alongside former MLB player Todd Zeile, remarked that it seemed unusual for a player to leave their team during a crucial part of the season for anything other than a family emergency. He stated, “The thought of leaving your team in the middle of a race for any reason other than a family emergency really strikes me as weird.” Zeile agreed, noting that it was unprecedented in his experience as a player.
Shaw defended his decision, explaining that his friendship with Kirk was rooted in their shared Christian faith. He shared that he had known Kirk for some time, having met him when they lived in the same apartment complex in Arizona. Shaw revealed that he was invited to the memorial by Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk. He expressed deep emotions upon learning of Kirk’s death, saying, “I had a lot of [teammates] supporting me, and that will be something I’ll remember for my entire life.”
In response to Cohen’s comments, Mikey McCoy, Kirk’s chief of staff at Turning Point USA, shared a video of Shaw and Kirk together shortly before the assassination. He criticized Cohen for questioning Shaw’s choice, emphasizing the importance of friendship and support during difficult times.
The backlash against Cohen continued as others joined in, highlighting Shaw’s performance in the following game, where he went 3-for-4 with three runs and an RBI in a Cubs victory. Some commentators noted the contrast in Cohen’s reactions, pointing out that he had not criticized similar actions taken by teams in the past for social justice causes.
This incident has sparked a broader discussion on the expectations placed on athletes and the importance of personal connections in their lives. Many believe that attending a friend’s memorial is a valid reason to miss a game, regardless of the circumstances surrounding the season. The debate continues as fans and commentators weigh in on the appropriateness of Cohen’s remarks and the significance of Shaw’s decision.
