Shane Gillis’ Controversial ESPYs Host Performance: Sarah Spain Calls Out the Host’s ‘Hacky’ Jokes and Disrespectful Remarks About Women’s Sports

The 2025 ESPY Awards, an annual event celebrating the best in sports, took a sharp turn into controversy when comedian Shane Gillis took the stage as host. What was intended to be a night of humor, recognition, and celebration quickly became a topic of national debate. Gillis, known for his edgy comedy and sharp wit, sparked outrage with his choice of jokes, particularly targeting women’s sports, Megan Rapinoe, and the WNBA—remarks that did not sit well with critics, including former ESPN reporter Sarah Spain.

Spain, a longtime advocate for women’s sports, didn’t hold back in a scathing post shared on X (formerly Twitter) early Thursday morning. She called out both Gillis’ performance and ESPN for choosing the comedian to host the prestigious event in what Spain described as “a year of crazy growth for women’s sports.” According to Spain, Gillis’ jokes about female athletes were not only unoriginal but offensive, further perpetuating stereotypes and undermining the importance of women’s athletic achievements.

The Attack on Megan Rapinoe: A Low Blow

One of the most controversial moments of the night came when Gillis targeted Megan Rapinoe, the U.S. soccer legend known for her activism and outspoken support for social justice causes. During his opening monologue, Gillis made a crude joke about Rapinoe’s absence from the event, quipping, “Nice that she’s not here. No? We’re going to pretend she’s a good time? Alright.”

The comment was met with uncomfortable silence from the crowd, prompting Gillis to pause, laugh off the awkwardness, and try to salvage the moment with more jabs. For many, the comment came off as an unprovoked attack on Rapinoe’s character, especially considering her contributions both on and off the field. Rapinoe has been an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ rights, racial equality, and women’s rights, making Gillis’ remark not only poorly timed but also politically charged.

Sarah Spain, a staunch supporter of women’s sports and a regular commentator on social justice issues, was quick to respond to Gillis’ jabs. “In a year of crazy growth for women’s sports, choosing an ESPYs host who doesn’t even try to make clever jokes about women athletes—he at least attempted for the men—he goes with hacky ‘no one knows the WNBA’ bits, ‘Pinoe is a bad time,’ and repeatedly insults Black women,” Spain wrote, expressing her disappointment with both Gillis’ performance and the network’s choice to hire him.

Spain’s words underscore the larger issue of how the sports industry still struggles with respect and inclusion, especially for women in sports. With increasing visibility and progress in women’s athletics, Gillis’ dismissive remarks were seen as an attempt to undermine these achievements for the sake of cheap laughs.

The WNBA Joke: Dismissive and Disrespectful

Gillis didn’t stop with Rapinoe. He also took aim at the WNBA, a league that has fought long and hard for recognition and respect in the sports world. During the ceremony, Gillis introduced “Brittany Hicks,” who he claimed was a “four-time WNBA All-Star.” The audience clapped politely as she was introduced, only for Gillis to reveal the punchline: “I’m just joking around. That’s my friend’s wife. I knew none of you knew WNBA players. That’s crazy you clapped for that.”

The awkward moment captured on camera showed the crowd’s immediate reaction—confusion, followed by nervous laughter. It was clear that many in the audience felt uncomfortable with the mockery aimed at the women athletes in the room. Brittany Hicks, a businesswoman and the wife of comedian Matt McCusker, was later seen laughing along with the joke. However, many viewers felt that this moment wasn’t just a comedy bit—it was a shot at the legitimacy of female athletes and their value in the public eye.

The WNBA, often overlooked compared to its male counterparts, has worked tirelessly to elevate its visibility and importance in American sports. To have a prominent event like the ESPYs be the platform for such jokes felt like a blow to the league, particularly after a year of historic moments for women’s sports.

Gillis Roasts Athletes and Politicians: More Controversy Unfolds

As the night continued, the controversy surrounding Gillis’ performance only deepened. He didn’t hold back in his jokes about other public figures, including NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers, President Trump, and NFL coach Bill Belichick. However, it was his biting humor and discomforting delivery that continued to raise eyebrows.

While some in the audience laughed, others remained visibly uneasy. The jokes weren’t just about sports—they were personal. By mocking public figures in such a direct manner, Gillis was treading a fine line between comedy and disrespect.

Social Media Erupts: #GillisFail and #NotFunny

The aftermath of the ESPYs performance saw an outpouring of opinions on social media. Fans and critics alike voiced their disapproval of Gillis’ crude humor, calling out both the comedian and ESPN for their role in the spectacle. On Twitter, the hashtag #GillisFail began trending, as users criticized the decision to hire a comedian whose humor had crossed into harmful territory.

While some defended Gillis, claiming that comedy should push boundaries, others pointed to the underlying issue of using women athletes and activists as fodder for low-hanging jokes. The internet became a battleground, with the clash between freedom of speech and respect for others taking center stage.

The Bigger Problem: Comedy or Disrespect?

What this controversy boils down to is a larger conversation about the role of comedy in media and the boundaries that should be set when addressing sensitive topics. Comedy has long been a tool for challenging societal norms and sparking important conversations, but when does humor cross the line from playful to harmful?

The truth is, Gillis’ performance wasn’t just about making fun of people—it was about how women in sports are treated and respected. The jokes about the WNBA, about Megan Rapinoe, and about women athletes in general highlighted a bigger issue within the industry—an issue that, despite years of progress, still finds itself fighting for equality and recognition.

What Happens Next for the ESPYs and the Culture of Comedy?

As the dust settles from this shocking moment at the ESPYs, one thing is clear: the event has triggered a deeper conversation about comedy, respect, and accountability in media. For those who support Gillis, it’s about humor pushing boundaries. For others, it’s about the harmful impact that jokes at the expense of marginalized groups can have.

As the backlash continues to roll in, the question remains: Will ESPN reconsider its choice of host next year, or will this controversy fade into the background? One thing is certain—the controversy surrounding Shane Gillis’ ESPYs hosting gig has opened up a much-needed conversation about where the line should be drawn in media and comedy.

Stay tuned—this debate is far from over.