Shane Gillis' ESPYs debut involved an inappropriate joke about Caitlin Clark, followed by an impressive performance as host.
In the world of sports and entertainment, the 2025 ESPY Awards, held at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Calif., was a star-studded event. However, it was the hosts' performance that left a lasting impression, particularly from comedian Shane Gillis.
Gillis, who was hired to emcee the awards show, opened the evening with a bold and edgy monologue that was met with a divided response from the audience. The humorlessness of the crowd, often praised for their athletic achievements since a young age, was noted as a potential factor in the lukewarm reception to Gillis' controversial content.
One of the most criticized jokes was about Iowa Hawkeyes basketball star Caitlin Clark. Gillis compared her to fights at Waffle House, a comment that generated significant backlash online. Clark, who has experienced several physical plays and absorbed a lot of physical pounding in less than two full seasons in the WNBA, seemed to have re-injured her groin and clashed with officials in a game against the Connecticut Sun a day before the ESPY Awards.
Gillis also made jokes involving other notable figures, such as Bill Belichick, Shedeur Sanders, and Donald Trump. He joked about Belichick's 24-year-old girlfriend, Jordon Hudson, with a humorous take on bedtime reading, mentioning suggestive titles like "Good Night Boobs" and "The Little Engine That Could But Needed A Pill First." Trump was joked about wanting to deport New York Mets player Juan Soto.
Despite the controversy, Gillis' career has taken off after not "going woke." His performance at the 2025 ESPY Awards was well-received, and he is expected to host more awards shows in the future. It remains unclear whether Gillis will face any repercussions for his jokes, particularly those targeting Caitlin Clark and the WNBA.
Chennedy Carter, DiJonai Carrington, and Marina Mabrey might want to speak with Shane Gillis about his joke regarding Clark and the physical scrums in the WNBA. Clark, who met Gillis in April, seemed to be taken aback by the comedian's star-struck demeanor.
The 2025 ESPY Awards was a night of glitz and glamour, but it was also a night of controversy and divided opinions. As the dust settles, it remains to be seen whether Gillis' edgy humor will continue to be a staple in future awards shows or if it will lead to a re-evaluation of what is considered appropriate in such events.
Shane Gillis' edgy humor at the 2025 ESPY Awards extended to not only the stadium-famous athletes but also the realm of entertainment, with jokes about celebrities such as Bill Belichick and Donald Trump. His controversial comparison of Caitlin Clark to fights at Waffle House, amidst her physical struggles in the WNBA, generated considerable backlash and might trigger a conversation with other WNBA players like Chennedy Carter, DiJonai Carrington, and Marina Mabrey.
