Comedian Shane Gillis Roasts Sports and Celebrities at the 2025 ESPY Awards

During his opening monologue at the 2025 ESPY Awards, Shane Gillis didn’t hold back, delivering a barrage of jokes targeting sports stars and prominent figures across the political spectrum. His satirical style served as a breath of fresh air, challenging the often overly cautious tone of recent years.

He mocked various athletes and personalities, including Shedeur Sanders’ family influence, Simone Biles’ stature, Aaron Rodgers’ vaccine stance, Shohei Ohtani’s gambling controversy, and even the WNBA, joking about its popularity and representation. Gillis also referenced Caitlin Clark, comparing her to himself with playful jabs about their shared Midwestern roots and shooting skills.

He didn’t shy away from political commentary either, taking aim at Donald Trump’s habit of inserting himself into sports affairs and joking about a deleted Epstein joke from his script. His irreverence was met with a restrained audience, reflecting a society still grappling with its shifting cultural norms.

Gillis made several provocative jokes, including one about Megan Rapinoe’s absence, and commented on race in sports, humorously noting that he and Caitlin Clark share common backgrounds. He also mocked Trump’s understanding of sports, suggesting he associates players with stereotypes, especially when relating to the New York Liberty.

Humor aside, the night revealed the cautious mood of the sports elite. Gillis joked about a fake WNBA player, Brittany Hicks, which received enthusiastic cheers—only to clarify it was a joke about his friend’s wife, exposing a society more eager to celebrate women based on identity than achievement.

Gillis’ approach, sprinkled with self-awareness and a nod to comedic legend Norm Macdonald, highlighted a shift in cultural tone—one that embraces boldness and pushes boundaries, signaling the resilience of authentic humor amidst ongoing social changes.