Indiana Fever's Caitlin Clark becomes punchline in Shane Gillis' risky ESPYs roast
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark was a major talking point at the 2025 ESPY Awards. While the 23-year-old star was honored with the award for Best WNBA Player, she also found herself under the spotlight due to a bold and divisive joke from ESPYs host Shane Gillis.
Clark wasn't in attendance due to an injury, but her absence didn't keep her out of the night's most uncomfortable spotlight moment.
Shane Gillis stirs discomfort at ESPYs with edgy
Waffle House joke
about Caitlin Clark
Shane Gillis opened the ESPY Awards with a monologue that quickly shifted from light-hearted jabs to pointed, edgy humor, and Caitlin Clark ended up on the receiving end of one of the night's most eyebrow-raising lines.
'When Caitlin Clark retires from the WNBA,' Gillis said, 'she's going to work at a Waffle House so she can continue doing what she loves most — fist-fighting Black women.'
The quip drew a mix of laughter and silence, with the crowd at the Dolby Theatre reacting cautiously.
Shane Gillis also cracked jokes on Donald Trump, Aaron Rodgers and others
Gillis didn't limit his roast to the WNBA phenom. His ten-minute monologue cast a wide net, targeting political figures and athletes alike. 'Donald Trump wants to stage a UFC fight on the White House lawn,' Gillis said. 'The last time he staged a fight in D.C., Mike Pence almost died.'
He later pivoted to sports commentary, roasting NFL star Aaron Rodgers: 'Aaron Rodgers didn't take the vaccine because he predicted it would be bad for him… then he joined the New York Jets.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around
Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List
Undo
So maybe he wasn't right about everything.'
Even baseball star Shohei Ohtani and coach Bill Belichick were not spared. 'A bookie is what Bill Belichick reads to his girlfriend before bedtime,' Gillis joked, launching into a string of NSFW book titles.
Caitlin Clark wins ESPY for best WNBA player
Despite the headline-grabbing joke, Caitlin Clark was honored with the ESPY for Best WNBA Player, a major recognition in her debut season. Unable to attend due to traveling with the Indiana Fever and ongoing injury evaluation, the award was accepted on her behalf by ESPN analysts before the broadcast.
Also Read:
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark wins ESPY for Best WNBA Player
Clark's ESPY win adds to an already impactful year in the WNBA, where she leads rookies in scoring and assists. But the moment will be remembered as much for what was said in jest as what was awarded in celebration.
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Mint
18 minutes ago
- Mint
Who was Chuck Mangione? Grammy-winning jazz icon known for ‘Feels So Good' dies at 84
Charles Frank Mangione, the American jazz great who brought the flugelhorn into the popular music spotlight and captivated audiences with hits like 'Feels So Good', died peacefully in his sleep on July 22, 2025, at his home in Rochester, New York. He was 84. His death was confirmed in a statement by his family shared with the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle on July 24. Over a six-decade career, Mangione released more than 30 albums, scored multiple Grammy Awards, and carved a unique space in the American jazz landscape. Born on November 29, 1940, to Italian-American parents in Rochester, Mangione studied at the prestigious Eastman School of Music and went on to perform with jazz legends, most notably filling the trumpet chair in Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers — a position once held by Clifford Brown, Lee Morgan, and Freddie Hubbard. Alongside his pianist brother, Gap, he co-led the Mangione Brothers Sextet/Quintet, recording three albums for Riverside Records in the early 1960s. One of their original compositions, 'Something Different,' caught the attention of alto saxophonist Cannonball Adderley, who included it in his 1961 album African Waltz. Mangione broke into mainstream success in 1978 with 'Feels So Good', a breezy, horn-driven instrumental that became a rare jazz-pop crossover hit, peaking at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song helped define a generation of smooth jazz, its signature melody recognized instantly across genres. He also composed iconic Olympic music, including 'Chase the Clouds Away' for the 1976 Montreal Summer Games and 'Give It All You Got' for the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid — the latter performed live at the closing ceremony and broadcast worldwide. Mangione's work was frequently honored. He won his first Grammy Award in 1977 for 'Bellavia' in the Best Instrumental Composition category. His second Grammy came two years later for the soundtrack to The Children of Sanchez, which featured sweeping compositions and emotional depth — the title track alone ran nearly 15 minutes. His bands featured top-tier musicians such as saxophonists Gerry Niewood and Chris Vadala, guitarist Grant Geissman, and drummer James Bradley Jr. In 1978, Mangione performed to a sold-out Hollywood Bowl backed by a 70-piece orchestra — a concert immortalized in his live album An Evening of Magic. Beyond the stage, Mangione used his music for charitable causes. In 1980, he organised a nine-hour benefit concert to aid Italian earthquake victims, bringing together stars like Chick Corea and Dizzy Gillespie. His later Tarantella album captured highlights from that performance. At his 60th birthday concert, he raised over $50,000 for St. John's Nursing Home in Rochester. Mangione was also a pop culture fixture. He made TV appearances, including Magnum, P.I., Sharon, Lois & Bram's Elephant Show, and most famously, played a recurring animated version of himself on King of the Hill as Mega Lo Mart's celebrity spokesman — a role that earned him a new generation of fans. His 2000 album Everything For Love included a track titled 'Peggy Hill' in tribute to the show.
Time of India
25 minutes ago
- Time of India
'Fourth-rate show': White House reacts to South Park showing 'Trump naked in bed with devil'
White House called South Park fourth-rate show following Trump's insulting portrayal. The White House's first reaction to Wednesday night's South Park premiere attacking President Donald Trump is here. Trump's White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers told Rolling Stone: "The Left's hypocrisy truly has no end — for years they have come after South Park for what they labeled as 'offense' [sic] content, but suddenly they are praising the show. "Just like the creators of South Park, the Left has no authentic or original content, which is why their popularity continues to hit record lows. This show hasn't been relevant for over 20 years and is hanging on by a thread with uninspired ideas in a desperate attempt for attention. President Trump has delivered on more promises in just six months than any other president in our country's history — and no fourth-rate show can derail President Trump's hot streak. " Trump is shown lying in bed with Satan arguing wth Canadian PM After a gap of almost two and a half years, South Park kicked off its 27th season after creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone reached a $1.5 billion streaming deal with Paramount. Paramount is the parent company of Comedy Central, where South Park airs, and CBS—which has received widespread criticism over its decision to cancel The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. During the premiere episode, titled "Sermon on the 'Mount," Trump is shown lying in bed with Satan, arguing with the Canadian prime minister and complaining about the size of his penis. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Trump insinuates that he wants to have sex with Satan, but the devil turns him down. "Come on, Satan. I've been working hard all day," Trump says, to which Satan replies: "You haven't been working! You've been doing your stupid memes and just f****** around." The episode also mentioned the "Epstein list" as Satan tells Trump: "Another random b**** commented on my Instagram that you're on the Epstein list." "The Epstein list?" Trump asks. "Are we still talking about that?"
Time of India
27 minutes ago
- Time of India
WCL 2025: Mr 360 has still got it! AB de Villiers smashes 41-ball century vs England Champions
AB de Villiers scored an unbeaten century for South Africa Champions against England Champions in World Championship of Legends. (Image: X) In a throwback to his glory days, AB de Villiers rolled back the years with a blistering century, reminding the cricket ing world why he was once considered one of the most feared batters in international cricket. Playing for the South Africa Champions in the ongoing World Championship of Legends 2025, De Villiers lit up the field with a breathtaking century against England Champions at Grace Road in Leicester. Opening the innings alongside former South Africa opener and captain Hashim Amla, chasing 153 runs to win, the duo ensured a flawless 10-wicket win. Amla occupied one end to play run-a-ball cricket but it was all mayhem at the other end. AB de Villiers struck a 41-ball century and remained unbeaten on 116 off 51 as South Africa romped to victory. Mr. 360's inning including 15 boundaries and seven sixes. Or, 102 of his 116 runs came in boundaries - just over 87 percent. — Melbourne__82 (@Melbourne__82) The 41-year-old brought up his fifty in just 20 balls, but shifted gears rapidly after that, racing to a century in just 41 deliveries. His breathtaking shot-making evoked nostalgic cheers from fans who once watched him dismantle attacks in international cricket. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is it better to shower in the morning or at night? Here's what a microbiologist says CNA Read More Undo Earlier, England Champions scored 152/6 from 20 overs with Phil Mustard top-scoring with a 33-ball 39. Samit Patel (24) and Eoin Morgan (20) also chipped in but it wasn't enough as South Africa Champions won comfortably with 46 balls to spare. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Wayne Parnell (2/36) and Imran Tahir (2/17) were the pick of the bowlers for South Africa Champions. For England Champions, none of the bowlers had anything to celebrate with everyone being taken to the cleaners. But the night belonged to AB de Villiers. In a tournament filled with legends and nostalgia, it was the South African maestro's timeless brilliance that stole the spotlight. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
