Gary Cohen doesn’t apologize for ripping Cubs player who skipped game for Charlie Kirk memorial

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

SNY’s New York Mets lead broadcaster Gary Cohen did not apologize nor make any reference to his recent criticism of Chicago Cubs player Matt Shaw for skipping a game to attend Charlie Kirk’s memorial, during Cohen’s latest broadcast on Thursday.

After making the initial comments during the Mets’ win over the Cubs on Tuesday, Cohen returned to the SNY broadcast booth on Thursday for his first call since criticizing the rookie for missing the game for Kirk’s memorial. Shaw came up to bat three times Thursday, and Cohen made no mention of his past remarks.

Fox News Digital has reached out to SNY for comment.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Gary Cohen doesn't apologize for ripping Cubs player who skipped game for Charlie Kirk memorial

Chicago Cubs third baseman Matt Shaw looks on in the dugout before the MLB game between the Chicago Cubs and the Los Angeles Angels on Aug. 22, 2025 at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California. (Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Shaw missed the Cubs’ 1-0 loss to the Cincinnati Reds last Sunday to attend the memorial service in Glendale, though manager Craig Counsell mentioned to the media that Shaw wasn’t available for the game because he was at a funeral for a friend.

Cohen’s original comments about Shaw was brought up in the fourth inning, calling the decision to skip a game for the memorial “weird.”

“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 said.

NYC RADIO HOSTS BLAST METS ANNOUNCER OVER COMMENTS ON CUBS PLAYER ATTENDING CHARLIE KIRK MEMORIAL SERVICE

Gary Cohen doesn't apologize for ripping Cubs player who skipped game for Charlie Kirk memorial

Chicago Cubs’ Michael Busch (29) and Matt Shaw, back, celebrate after defeating the New York Mets in a baseball game Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025, in Chicago.  (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)

Fellow Mets broadcaster Todd Zeile called Shaw’s absence “unprecedented.”

“It’s unusual, I think it’s unprecedented at least from my experience as a player, and I think it made it a little more unusual that it was not revealed until after it came to issue because he was thought to be in the dugout and maybe available, and was not, and that’s how it was revealed,” Zeile said.

The comments ignited backlash from fans on social media, with some fans vowing to boycott the team until Cohen apologizes.

Kirk’s former chief of staff Mikey McCoy shamed Cohen for the comments in a post on X early Thursday morning.

“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.,” McCoy wrote on X.

“A month later, Charlie is gone and Matt Shaw is receiving backlash for attending his friend’s memorial. Shame on Gary Cohen…”

Shaw explained Tuesday why he made it a point to attend the memorial despite his team’s schedule.

“My connection with Charlie was through our [Christian] faith,” Shaw said before the Cubs opened a new series with the New York Mets on Tuesday, per the Chicago Sun-Times. “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.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Gary Cohen doesn't apologize for ripping Cubs player who skipped game for Charlie Kirk memorial

Cubs’ Matt Shaw, Charlie Kirk and SNY’s Gary Cohen. (Photo by Matt Dirksen/Chicago Cubs/Getty Images, Photo by Jacek Boczarski/Anadolu via Getty Images and Getty Images)

“I know without my faith and without the many blessings I’ve been given in my life, that I wouldn’t be here, be able to talk to you guys, able to help this team eventually go and win championships.

“That’s something I feel really, really blessed about, so whatever backlash comes is OK. I feel strong about my faith and that what was meant to be happened.”

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Jackson Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital. He previously worked for ESPN and Business Insider. Jackson has covered the Super Bowl and NBA Finals, and has interviewed iconic figures Usain Bolt, Rob Gronkowski, Jerry Rice, Troy Aikman, Mike Trout, David Ortiz and Roger Clemens.

Related Posts

🚨 MLB INSIDE RESET: The White Sox’s newly assembled coaching staff is raising quiet but serious questions across the league, as subtle hires, shifted responsibilities, and a clear change in philosophy hint at a deeper organizational reset. What looks like routine restructuring on the surface may actually signal a long term plan that hasn’t been fully explained yet — and insiders believe the real impact will only become clear once the season pressure hits.

The Chicago White Sox have finalized their coaching staff for the 2026 season following sweeping changes made at the end of September.

🚨 MLB INSIDE TRADE RUMBLINGS: The Braves are suddenly being linked to a bold trade for a $6 million NL rival left hander, a move insiders say could quietly solve multiple problems at once and even position him as a long term heir to Chris Sale. What looks like a low risk deal on paper may actually hide a far bigger plan, with Atlanta reportedly intrigued by a dynamic arsenal that hasn’t fully been unlocked yet — and the timing of this rumor is raising serious eyebrows across the league.

The Braves could go after a young star.

🚨 MLB INSIDE STORM BREWING: As hopes of an Alex Bregman return quietly fade, a new projection suggests the Red Sox may be preparing a jaw dropping $186 million swing for Bo Bichette, a move insiders believe could redefine Boston’s future in one bold stroke. What once seemed unrealistic is now gaining traction behind the scenes, and if this prediction turns real, the ripple effect could shock the AL East and completely change how this offseason is remembered.

A former MLB executive now believes that the Boston Red Sox will land coveted free agent infielder Bo Bichette from Toronto.

🚨 MLB INSIDE WHISPERS: Something big is quietly brewing behind closed doors in New York, as new projections hint the Yankees may be lining up an elite shortstop signing that goes far beyond a normal free-agency move. What started as a low-key prediction is now being viewed as a potential power shift, with insiders suggesting this decision could redefine the Yankees’ identity and force the entire American League to adjust sooner than expected.

The New York Yankees haven’t done much during the offseason, but MLB rumors continue to swirl. New York has been […]

Cubs Predicted To Land Marquee Free Agent Starting Pitcher On Six-Year Contract

The Cubs are in the market for a top-of-the-rotation starting pitcher, and David Schoenfield of ESPN predicted them to land Framber Valdez, previously of the Houston Astros.

🚨 INSIDE NFL REVELATION: The Packers reportedly had a stunning opportunity to sign an all time great for just $5 million, yet chose to walk away without even making a free agent offer — a quiet decision that is now raising serious questions inside the fanbase and league circles alike. What seemed insignificant at the time is suddenly being revisited as a potential turning point, with insiders suggesting this missed move could have changed far more than anyone realized.

Green Bay missed an opportunity.