MLB player Matt Shaw, who is scheduled to appear as a speaker at TPUSA’s AmericaFest in Phoenix this week, is facing criticism from a Chicago radio host for his attendance at the event, which the host described as a “Nazi-adjacent pep rally.”
Shaw attended the funeral of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk and was removed from the Chicago Cubs lineup on September 10, the day Kirk was assassinated. Chicago radio host Dan Bernstein recently reacted to news of Shaw’s planned AmericaFest appearance, saying the player should “own it” rather than cite personal faith or friendship as justification.
“Matt Shaw is telling you something,” Bernstein said on his podcast. I don’t want to hear any mealy-mouthed explanations when he’s asked about it. I don’t want him to say, ‘Oh, well, I’m just his friend, or this is just because of my faith.’ Don’t give me any of that bulls***. Own it. Own it. That’s all I ask. Embrace it. Be proud of it, Matt Shaw. That’s all I ask is don’t try to say this isn’t what this is.”
Bernstein went on to characterize AmericaFest and its attendees in harsh and false terms, saying, “If you want to go to a gathering that tells me clearly that you are proud to be among hatemongers, homophobes, fascists, racists, flag-waving proud racists. If these are your people and this is your thing, and you want to be at this proudly Nazi-adjacent pep rally, go ahead. Go ahead. Have a day, man. Have a week. Whatever blows your hair back.”
According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Shaw defended his decision to attend Kirk’s funeral, citing his Christian faith and personal relationship with the TPUSA founder.
“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,” he said.
