Gary Cohen Faces Backlash for Comments on Matt Shaw’s Memorial Absence, Makes No Mention During Latest Broadcast

SNY’s lead Mets broadcaster Gary Cohen returned to the booth Thursday without addressing his controversial comments about Chicago Cubs player Matt Shaw. Earlier in the week, Cohen had criticized Shaw for missing a game to attend the memorial service of his friend Charlie Kirk, calling the decision “weird” during Tuesday’s Mets-Cubs broadcast.

The controversy began when Shaw was absent from the Cubs’ 1-0 loss to the Cincinnati Reds last Sunday. While manager Craig Counsell had simply told media that Shaw was attending a friend’s funeral, Cohen took issue with the player’s decision during Tuesday’s broadcast. “I don’t want to talk about any of the politics of it, but 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,” Cohen remarked on air. His colleague Todd Zeile added that such an absence was “unprecedented” in his experience as a player.

These comments sparked significant backlash across social media, with some fans even threatening to boycott the Mets until Cohen apologizes. Charlie Kirk’s former chief of staff, Mikey McCoy, specifically called out Cohen on social media platform X, writing: “A little over a month ago Charlie’s dream came true… he got the opportunity to walk on Wrigley Field and after – see his friend Matt Shaw hit a home run. A month later, Charlie is gone and Matt Shaw is receiving backlash for attending his friend’s memorial. Shame on Gary Cohen…”

Shaw himself addressed the situation before Tuesday’s game against the Mets, explaining the deeply personal reasons behind his decision. “My connection with Charlie was through our [Christian] faith,” Shaw told reporters. “And that’s something that drives me every day, the reason why I’m able to do what I do every day, and that’s something I’m extremely thankful for.” The rookie demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of criticism, adding, “Whatever backlash comes is OK. I feel strong about my faith and that what was meant to be happened.”

Despite the ongoing controversy, Cohen made no reference to his previous comments during Thursday’s broadcast, even as Shaw came up to bat three times during the game. The broadcaster’s silence on the matter has only intensified scrutiny from fans and media alike, with many questioning whether an apology should be forthcoming. Fox News Digital reached out to SNY for comment, but no response was reported in the article.

The incident highlights the complex intersection of professional sports, personal faith, and public discourse. While team commitments are certainly important, especially during crucial parts of the season, many have defended Shaw’s right to honor his friendship and faith through his attendance at the memorial service. As the story continues to develop, the baseball community remains divided over Cohen’s comments and his subsequent decision not to address them in his return to the broadcast booth.