by: Brian Jones • 59 minutes ago • brianjones_93
Jul 16, 2025; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Grace Brassel and Shane Gillis on the red carpet before the ESPYS at The Dolby Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
ESPN has reacted to the backlash Shane Gillis has received for his monologue during the ESPY Awards on Wednesday night. According to TMZ Sports, ESPN is not upset with Gillis’ monologue and appreciates his hard work on the show.
The live monologue featured Gillis making fun of athletes like Caitlin Clark and Megan Rapinoe . Shane Gillis also made jokes about Jeffrey Epstein and Diddy. TMZ Sports said ESPN has had a great relationship with Gillis for a long time.
Gillis also made fun of the relationship between Bill Belichick and Jordon Hudson and called out NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander . TMZ Sports was told that Gillis was simply doing stand-up comedy, meaning not everyone was going to like his routine.
While ESPN didn’t have any issues with Gillis’ ESPY monologue, a former ESPN reporter didn’t feel the same way. Sarah Spain went to social media to call out Gillis for his joke about women athletes.