Shane Gillis brought unfiltered comedy to the 2025 ESPYS, hosting ESPN’s annual award show at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles with the same irreverent edge that made him a fan favorite—and a lightning rod.
From the moment he grabbed the mic, the 37-year-old comedian made it clear: no one was off-limits.
Known for his blunt and unapologetic style, Gillis opened the night with a monologue that quickly turned the star-studded room into a comedy battleground.
Shane Gillis tells the truth about SGA at the Espys. pic.twitter.com/50jbWU5dtm
— SpursRΞPORTΞR (@SpursReporter) July 17, 2025
“He held no punches,” as one observer noted, and his opening remarks were packed with bold barbs that targeted some of the sports world’s biggest names and most controversial topics.
Among those in the comedian’s crosshairs were legendary coach Bill Belichick and his much-discussed relationship with Jordan Hudson. Gillis didn’t hesitate to poke fun at the age-gap pairing, drawing laughs and gasps from the audience.
Next up was NBA All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, whose ability to get to the free-throw line became the subject of a zinger.
Gillis riffed on the Thunder guard’s penchant for drawing fouls, suggesting he may be as much a magician as he is a baller.
“Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s free throw rate is so high,” he joked, “even James Harden is taking notes.”
Shane Gillis said Bill Belichick reads bedtime stories to his 24 year old girlfriend like “The Little Engine that Could But Needed a Pill First”
This man is insane 😂😂
— Hater Report (@HaterReport_) July 17, 2025
Karl-Anthony Towns didn’t escape unscathed either.
Though the specific joke wasn’t detailed, Gillis’ inclusion of the Timberwolves big man added to a pattern of poking at high-profile players, regardless of team or status.
But it was the Caitlin Clark joke that truly set the room ablaze.
“When Caitlin Clark retires from the WNBA,” Gillis quipped, “she’s going to work at a Waffle House so she can continue doing what she loves most: fist fighting Black women.”
"When Caitlin Clark retires from the WNBA, she's going to work at a waffle house so she can continue doing what she loves most: fist fighting black women"
— Shane Gillis 😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/X45GWByr6o
— BricksCenter (@BricksCenter) July 17, 2025
The comment, which referenced the ongoing on-court aggression Clark has faced from other WNBA players, was met with a mix of shock and laughter from those in attendance.
Clark herself wasn’t present, but the reaction from the crowd indicated Gillis had once again walked—if not stomped—the line between edgy humor and controversy.
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The joke has already sparked fierce debate online, with critics arguing it played on racial stereotypes and minimized tensions Clark has experienced as a rising star in the league.
Others defended the comic, citing his reputation for pushing boundaries and pointing to the raucous laughter from the audience as evidence that the room, at least, was on board.
Gillis didn’t stop there. He turned his attention to one of the most infamous names in recent American scandal: Jeffrey Epstein. In a moment that blended conspiracy theory with dark comedy, Gillis teased the audience with a joke that he claimed had mysteriously vanished.
“There’s supposed to be an Epstein joke here,” he told the crowd.
“But I guess it got deleted. Probably deleted itself, right? Probably never existed, actually. Let’s move on.”
The Epstein quip, clearly crafted to suggest censorship or cover-up, was vintage Gillis—winking at the audience while hinting at deeper controversy.
NEW: Shane Gillis jokes about the Jeffrey Epstein drama while hosting the ESPYs in Los Angeles
"There was supposed to be an Epstein joke here, but it got deleted, must have probably deleted itself, right?"
"Probably never existed. Actually. Let's move on as a country and ignore… pic.twitter.com/RGvX0DHAT0
— Based Sinatra (@SinatraGeoffrey) July 17, 2025
It also signaled that the comedian had more up his sleeve, with several hours still left in the show and plenty of celebrities remaining in their seats.
As the ESPYS continued, attendees braced for more Gillis-style comedy: biting, fearless, and entirely unsanitized.
While the backlash and praise are sure to follow in equal measure, one thing is certain—Shane Gillis made sure this year’s ESPYS will be remembered.
Watch the hilarious skit he did about ‘Tush Push’.
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