Shane Gillis is known for pushing comedic boundaries, but his ESPYs joke about WNBA star Caitlin Clark didn’t get the laughs he expected.
During his opening monologue at the 2025 ESPY Awards, Gillis took a swing at Clark’s physical playing style by saying:
“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.”
Audience reaction? A few uncomfortable laughs and a lot of stunned silence.
The joke seemed to aim at parodying the chippy nature of WNBA games, especially ones involving Clark. But instead of clever satire, it came across as awkward and racially insensitive, even if not intentionally malicious. The humor was shallow, relying on shock over substance.
To be fair, Gillis is no stranger to controversy or edgy material. He’s made a career out of toeing the line, and sometimes crossing it. But usually, his edgy jokes are softened by a self-deprecating charm or awareness of their weight. Not this time.
Critics quickly pounced on social media, calling the joke tone-deaf. Some accused Gillis of leaning on tired stereotypes, while others said the attempt to mock WNBA brawls backfired because the delivery lacked context and nuance.
And Clark? She hasn’t responded publicly, nor has the WNBA. But fans were quick to defend her and the league, noting how moments like these can overshadow the real achievements of women’s basketball.
It’s worth noting that Gillis has a knack for acknowledging when a bit doesn’t land. Hopefully, this one gets added to the list. Because while the WNBA deserves to be part of the comedy conversation, it also deserves better jokes than this.
While Comedy is meant for humor, it is not meant to cheapen. And this time, Gillis missed the mark.
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