Ex-ESPN Host Condemns Shane Gillis’ Jokes Targeting Female Athletes at ESPYs Monologue
Shane Gillis Criticized for ESPYs Jokes Targeting Female Athletes
By Oliver Salt | Updated: 16:28 BST, 17 July 2025
Comedian Shane Gillis faced backlash for his controversial monologue at the 2025 ESPYs, with former ESPN host Sarah Spain lambasting his “hacky” jokes about women athletes. Gillis, 37, hosted the annual sports awards ceremony in Los Angeles, delivering punchlines aimed at stars like Megan Rapinoe, Simone Biles, and Caitlin Clark, alongside male athletes and political figures.
Gillis’ monologue drew criticism for jokes about women in sports.
Spain condemned Gillis on social media, highlighting his lack of effort to craft “clever” humor about women during a landmark year for female sports. “He goes with hacky ‘no one knows the WNBA’ bits, ‘Pinoe is a bad time’ & repeatedly insults Black women,” she tweeted.
Gillis’ jokes included mocking Rapinoe’s absence (“No? We’re gonna pretend she’s a good time?”), Biles’ height, and Clark’s future: “When Caitlin Clark retires, she’s going to work at Waffle House to continue fist fighting Black women.” The WNBA also became a target, with Gillis claiming its players are unfamiliar to fans.
Sarah Spain called out Gillis for his "unclever" approach to women’s sports.
While some jokes fell flat, others resonated. A jab at Bill Belichick’s 49-year age gap with girlfriend Jordon Hudson drew loud applause. “They do the ‘Very Horny Caterpillar,’” Gillis quipped, referencing Belichick reading to his partner. “He won six Super Bowls. Maybe if you did, you wouldn’t be sitting next to a fat ugly dog wife.” The crowd reacted with shock and laughter, prompting Gillis to joke, “They let me do it. This is Disney!”
Rapinoe (left) and Clark (right) were among Gillis’ targets.
Not all his remarks landed smoothly. A crude joke about Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter’s gambling scandal—“No one’s done what he’s done: pitcher, hitter, and bookie”—received mixed reactions. The crowd’s response varied throughout, underscoring the divisive nature of Gillis’ set.
Gillis’ blend of humor sparked both laughter and unease.
Despite the criticism, Gillis’ hosting stint highlighted ESPN’s gamble on edgy comedy, sparking debates about balancing humor with respect for athletes. Spain’s critique underscored a broader frustration over opportunities for women in sports media, as Gillis’ jokes contrasted with the event’s celebration of female athletic achievements.
The ceremony’s mixed reception reflects evolving tensions in sports entertainment, where comedic boundaries are tested amid calls for inclusivity. As Gillis’ monologue trends online, the backlash serves as a reminder of the fine line between satire and insensitivity in celebrating sports icons.
