Shane Gillis delivered a bold and provocative monologue at the ESPY Awards on Wednesday night, showcasing his trademark humor that often pushes boundaries. The 37-year-old comedian wasted no time in targeting a range of subjects, including high-profile figures from the sports world, with particular focus on WNBA star Caitlin Clark and former Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders.
Gillis set a comedic tone right from the start, incorporating a sharp jab at former President Donald Trump that resonated with the audience at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles. The crowd erupted with laughter as Gillis quipped, “Donald Trump wants to stage a UFC fight on the White House lawn. The last time he staged a fight in D.C., Mike Pence almost died.”
He then cleverly touched on a hot-button topic—the Jeffrey Epstein files—hinting at an Epstein-related joke that seemingly vanished. “Actually, there was supposed to be an Epstein joke here, but I guess it got deleted. Probably deleted itself, right? Probably never existed, actually. Let’s move on as a country and ignore that,” Gillis remarked, demonstrating his willingness to navigate contentious subjects.
The comedian didn’t hold back on Sanders, referencing his journey to the NFL after being selected by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round. Gillis stated, “Shedeur Sanders had his jersey retired at Colorado this year. People are saying it’s because of nepotism, because of his father. And it’s not. It’s because he went 13-12 over his career and he almost won the Alamo Bowl.”
Gillis also paid homage to Norm Macdonald, with a throwback joke about Travis Hunter, who won the Heisman Trophy. In a carefully crafted line, he noted that winning the prestigious award is something they could never take away, except under severe circumstances reminiscent of Macdonald’s controversial joke structure.
Approaching Caitlin Clark’s career, Gillis sparked discomfort, asserting, “It’s a big year for the WNBA. I love Caitlin 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.”
Gillis’ monologue clearly meant to elicit strong reactions, making his presence felt in a room full of elite athletes. Although many of his jokes landed well with the audience, they certainly sparked discussion on the boundaries of humor in today’s climate.
Overall, Gillis demonstrated his comedic prowess and fearlessness in addressing a variety of subjects, establishing an unforgettable moment at the ESPYs. His willingness to address sensitive topics could pave the way for more open discussions in sports and beyond, all while reminding audiences of the power of laughter in challenging times.