Latest news with #ShaneGillis
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Former ESPN Star: There Are 'No Rules' At Company Now
Former ESPN Star: There Are 'No Rules' At Company Now originally appeared on The Spun. The ESPY Awards may have signified a tonal shift at ESPN. A network that has traditionally tried to steer clear of controversy selected Shane Gillis to host its annual award show. The comedian pushed the limits during a polarizing monologue that included jokes about Jeffrey Epstein, the Jan. 6 insurrection, Caitlin Clark's supposed love of "fist-fighting Black women," and Donald Trump sending him to the event to capture MLB superstar Juan Soto. Bomani Jones held various roles throughout his tenure at ESPN. The outspoken personality tested the company's boundaries when he wore a "Caucasians" shirt parodying the Cleveland Guardians' former Chief Wahoo mascot. On his The Right Time podcast, a surprised Jones discussed Gillis' divisive hosting performance. "Shane Gillis did not hit them all out of the park, but he hit a couple of them to the moon," Jones said. "I was like, I can't believe this is happening. There are officially no more rules at that place." Jones thinks the ESPN landscape is unrecognizable from his time with the company. "I worked with, for, in various capacities at ESPN for about 20 years. I've known what you can and can't get away with. I've been there for the ebbs and flows of the things that you can do, whether it be digital or whatever it is. I've seen all the changes," Jones said. "This is wild. There are officially no rules, as long as you're talking about stuff that doesn't really matter." The former radio and TV host noted that ESPN fosters fewer conversations about substantive topics because they've decided "people don't want that." As for expanding the limits of what personalities can get away with, Jones believes Pat McAfee opened Pandora's Box. "They can't control anything else that anybody does because they can't control what McAfee does," Jones theorized. "And so I saw clips of [the ESPYs] and was like, this is insane. I don't know anything that's going on over there."Former ESPN Star: There Are 'No Rules' At Company Now first appeared on The Spun on Jul 22, 2025 This story was originally reported by The Spun on Jul 22, 2025, where it first appeared.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Shedeur Sanders proves he's more than Deion's son after brutal ESPY insult by Shane Gillis
After Shane Gillis mocks him at ESPYs, Shedeur Sanders' response leaves no room for doubts (Getty Images) Following an awkward jab thrown by comedian Shane Gillis during the 2025 ESPY Awards, Shedeur Sanders didn't clap back with words. Instead, he let his grind do the talking. Within 24 hours of the nationally televised dig, the Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback dropped a jaw-dropping training montage on Instagram—no rants, no tweets, just pure focus and fire. Shedeur Sanders silences ESPY insults with grit, grind, and a visual masterstroke Shane Gillis, known for toeing the line with edgy humor, poked fun at Sanders' college career during a live segment, implying his jersey retirement was a result of nepotism. 'Shedeur Sanders had his jersey number retired at Colorado this year,' Gillis said, pausing before the punchline. 'People are saying it's because of nepotism... It's not. He went 13-12 over his career & he almost won the Alamo Bowl. Definitely not nepotism?' — GarrettWSavage (@GarrettWSavage) While the crowd, including stars like Lamar Jackson, offered nervous chuckles, many recognized the undertone for what it was—a cheap shot. But Sanders didn't bite. Instead, he dropped a cinematic clip showcasing intense workouts, laser-sharp throws, and a burning desire to improve. His voice played over the footage: 'No excuses, puttin' in the work. Do what I gotta do. 'Bout to be time to be legendary. Whenever that time is. ' The message was clear: he had moved past the noise and was dialed into the mission. Gillis missed the full story—and the numbers prove it Reducing Shedeur Sanders' legacy to a 13-12 record shows a stunning lack of context. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo He threw for 4,134 yards and 37 touchdowns in his final college season—leading the Big 12 in both. Awards followed, including the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year and the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, a recognition reserved for the top senior quarterback nationwide. Critics love easy targets, but the facts point elsewhere. Colorado had a 1–11 record before Shedeur, Deion, and Travis Hunter arrived. With Sanders under center, they not only made the Alamo Bowl but also returned to national relevance—only their third bowl appearance since 2007. His jersey retirement wasn't a handout; it was a symbol of revival. And now, with the Browns, Shedeur enters a competitive QB room featuring Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and Dillon Gabriel. There's no Deion Sanders in Cleveland to 'pad' his reputation. If he earns the starting role—and signs point to that being a real possibility—Gillis might find it harder to turn that into a joke. Sanders' path has been paved by numbers, leadership, and some real hard-work—not nepotism. His response to ridicule? A quiet, roaring reminder that greatness is earned when no one's watching. Also Read: 'First crisis together': Travis Kelce steps up for Taylor Swift during first major calamity in their relationship Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
News.com.au
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Comedian roasts sport world in spicy ESPYs monologue, sparks outrage
In one fell swoop, Shane Gillis managed to humiliate the entire crowd at the ESPYs on Thursday (AEST). Gillis touched upon, among many other topics, Aaron Rodgers and his vaccine skepticism, Caitlin Clark and her potential post-WNBA life, Bill Belichick and Jordon Hudson's relationship, Shohei Ohtani and his disgraced interpreter Ippei Mizuhara, Shedeur Sanders' Colorado number retirement and even President Donald Trump and Mets star Juan Soto. Watch every round of The Open Live & Exclusive on Fox Sports, available on Kayo | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1. 'Four-time WNBA All-Star Brittany Hicks is here, everybody, give it up for Brittany,' Gillis said innocuously partway through his monologue, per the NY Post. The crowd at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood politely applauded, before Gillis waited a beat, smirked, and said: 'I'm joking around, that's my friend's wife. I knew none of you knew WNBA players.' The crowd awkwardly murmured in response, although Hicks, a businesswoman, and her husband, comedian Matt McCusker, appeared to find it hilarious. As with almost every other joke made in his fiery, controversial set, the reactions on social media were a mixed bag. 'Using your best friend's wife to set up a joke about a fake WNBA player to call out an entire audience for pandering is perhaps the best executed joke of all time. And it came at the ESPYS!!' wrote @KFCBarstool in an X post that got 48,000 likes. 'Gillis just served up one of the classiest middle fingers in award show history,' wrote another. 'Straight outta the Ricky Gervais playbook.' Gillis also joked about Simone Biles' height, likening the pint sized gymnast to a leprechaun with a collection of gold medals. Ex-ESPN reporter Sarah Spain criticised the move to bring the comedian into the fold as emcee, who took shots at Megan Rapinoe, Caitlin Clark and the WNBA during his divisive outing. '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' & repeatedly insults Black women. COOL,' Spain wrote. Gillis took aim at Rapinoe, an outspoken social rights activist, by stating it was 'nice' that the soccer legend wasn't going to make the the crowd did not respond, Gillis paused and chuckled, 'No? We're going to pretend that she's a good time? Alright.' The reaction to Gillis on social media was mixed, to say the least. Others were less amused. 'Punching down is never funny,' wrote one user on X. 'That's not funny,' said another. 'Like, at all.' 'Best joke of all time!!!!' said a third. The quip wasn't the only time Gillis, 37, poked fun at the WNBA — he also cracked multiple controversial jokes about Caitlin Clark. First, the star of the Netflix show 'Tires' compared himself to Clark because they're both 'whites from the Midwest who have nailed a bunch of 3s.' Then, he went on to say: '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.' The WNBA was far from the only target of the monologue, though, with Gillis taking aim at anyone and everyone in the sports world and beyond — including Aaron Rodgers, President Donald Trump, Bill Belichick and Mets star Juan Soto.
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Shane Gillis offended gay men with joke about New York Knicks star, says furious ex-ESPN radio host
The outrage from Shane Gillis' ESPYs speech shows little sign of slowing with radio host Dan Le Batard suggestion some of his jokes were offensive to gay people. Gillis made jokes about Jeffrey Epstein, Caitlin Clark and Megan Rapinoe during his speech at the glitzy event in Los Angeles earlier this week, but it was a joke about New York Knicks star Karl-Anthony Towns that irked Le Batard. Towns has often been mocked on social media for what some people claim is a feminine voice. After referencing the Knicks' run in the NBA playoffs, Gillis said: 'Karl Anthony Towns is here.' He then flamboyantly shouted: 'Hey girl'. Le Batard shot Gillis down in response to the joke, saying on his show: 'The point is just to stand on the edge. Be provocative just to provoke. 'Karl-Anthony Towns, "hey girl". What's clever about that? How does that make gay people feel? How does that make Karl-Anthony Towns feel?' Le Batard's comments echo those made by Sarah Spain, another ex-ESPN reporter. She appeared to more incensed at the jokes Gillis made about Rapinoe and Clark. 'Megan Rapinoe could not make it tonight... nice,' Gillis said about the former USWNT soccer captain before adding . 'No? We're gonna pretend she's a good time? Alright.' The actor and comic also mocked 4ft 8in Olympic gymnast Biles over her height and the WNBA over its lesser-known players while saying about Clark: '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.' She wrote on X: '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" & repeatedly insults Black women. COOL.' Gillis had mixed success with his jokes on the night after some drew huge laughter from the crowd and others failed to land.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Shane Gillis Tricks ESPYs Crowd with Fake WNBA Star Joke, League Likely Unamused
Comedian Shane Gillis tricked the audience at the 2025 ESPY Awards by introducing his friend's wife, Brittany Hicks, as a fictional four-time WNBA All-Star. Her introduction prompted applause from the audience. The problem is that she's not a four-time All-Star. In fact, she's never played in the WNBA. And the audience had no clue. 'Four-time WNBA All-Star Brittany Hicks is here, everybody, give it up for Brittany,' Gillis excitedly declared. After a short pause, Gillis continued: 'I'm joking around, that's my friend's wife. I knew none of you knew WNBA players.' Not a Good Sign for the WNBA The viral moment, which has amassed over 300,000 views online, sparked debate about the WNBA's popularity and Shane Gillis' provocative comedic style. Of course, the question here is who should be more embarrassed by this joke – the crowd who had no idea if they were looking at a WNBA star, or the league, which only has maybe one or two identifiable faces? People know Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and A'ja Wilson, but beyond that? Viewers on social media lauded the joke as a solid, well-deserved jab at the league. 'Gillis just served up one of the classiest middle fingers in award show history,' one fan wrote. 'Straight outta the Ricky Gervais playbook.' 'Using your best friend's wife to set up a joke about a fake WNBA player to call out an entire audience for pandering is perhaps the best executed joke of all time,' a popular Barstool Sports personality added. 'And it came at the ESPYS!' RELATED: Shane Gillis Causes Controversy at the ESPYs The WNBA has long faced challenges in gaining recognition and respect. And they aren't helping themselves by poorly marketing a generational talent in Caitlin Clark. The WNBA has struggled to market Clark effectively due to its failure to consistently promote her as a central figure, despite her driving unprecedented viewership and attendance. Instead, they prioritize league-wide narratives over her individual star power. Poor officiating, marked by inconsistent calls and unpunished physical play, has now contributed to Clark's injuries, as referees fail to protect star players. The league's biggest star not being on television is a ratings killer. Despite Clark's impact boosting ratings by 300% and attendance by 60%, the WNBA reportedly lost $40-$50 million in 2024. Shane Gillis at the ESPYs also caused controversy with his joke about the Indiana Fever star. '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,' he quipped. Also Read:: Livvy Dunne Gives an Inside Look at that 'Iconic' Split on the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Runway Related Headlines Boston Red Sox Reportedly Covet All-Star Bat from AL Rival at Trade Deadline 3 NHL teams linked to Sidney Crosby for potential trade in 2025 Livvy Dunne Gives an Inside Look at that 'Iconic' Split on the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Runway Baltimore Orioles 'likely' to sell at the 2025 MLB trade deadline
