As in any awards show, some of the biggest names attending the event often get skewered by whichever comedian is hosting it, and the ESPYs are no different. Comedian Shane Gillis hosted the show and poked fun at some of the biggest names in sports, from UFC stars to soccer and NBA stars. This includes him poking fun at Caitlin Clark and her alleged feuds with women of color.
“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,” joked Gillis.
Shane Gillis: “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” pic.twitter.com/J2QRgGQto3
— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) July 17, 2025
Caitlin Clark has some very rabid defenders, many of whom took issue with Gillis’ jokes about her, with many finding them unfunny and blasting the comedian for his opening monologue.
“It’s absolutely the other way around. But of course woke Disney wrote the joke,” complained one Caitlin Clark fan.
“Nothing freaking funny about that.,” another X user added.
“I like Shane Gillis but none of these jokes are funny,” another person noted.
Meanwhile, there were also several commenters who were poking fun at the reactions from the die-hard Caitlin Clark fans.
“The funniest part about this is reading all of the meltdowns in the comment section… 😂” one commenter said.
“Letting comedians who don’t give a f**k present award shows creates the best awkward moments ever.,” another person added.
“Yes, I’m sure the Kaitlin Klark Klan thinks this is funny.” one person commented.
The opening monologue actually took aim at everyone, including President Donald Trump, Jon Jones, Bill Belichick, Shedeur Sanders and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Caitlin Clark Wins Massive ESPYs Honor
Even though she was not spared from Shane Gillis’ monologue, Caitlin Clark still had a big night during the ESPYs, as she won the award for being the Best WNBA Player. Clark herself was not present to accept her ESPY, as she was on the road taking on the New York Liberty. ESPN host Christine Williamson accepted the award on her behalf.
She was nominated in the category along with A’ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces), Breanna Stewart (New York Liberty) and Napheesa Collier (Minnesota Lynx). Clark is regarded as one of the biggest stars in the WNBA, and she will be the captain of one of the All-Star game’s teams in Indianapolis later this month.
Related: An Anomaly’ – Dawn Staley Calls Caitlin Clark the Toughest Player She’s Coached Against
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