Latest news with #ESPYS
New York Post
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Shane Gillis proved there are ‘no rules' at ESPN anymore: Bomani Jones
Former ESPNer Bomani Jones said Shane Gillis' opening monologue at the 2025 ESPYs is proof that the Worldwide Leader has tossed the rulebook out the window. During Monday's installment of his podcast, 'The Right Time,' Jones, who was a writer and on-air personality at ESPN from 2004-2023, explained that the network doesn't care to talk about 'stuff that matters' because they 'can't control what Pat McAfee does' on his daily program. 'Shane Gillis did not hit all of [his jokes] out of the park, but he hit a couple of them to the moon,' Jones said as he recalled some of the comedian's lewd jokes about Jeffrey Epstein, President Donald Trump and Caitlin Clark. Advertisement 4 Former ESPNer Bomani Jones said Shane Gillis' opening monologue at the 2025 ESPYS is proof that the worldwide leader tossed the rulebook out the window. YouTube/The Right Time Gillis was the host of this year's ESPY Awards, which took place at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles last week in front of a star-studded audience. 'I was like, 'I can't believe this is happening. There are officially no more rules at that place,'' Jones said. 'I worked with, for [and] in various capacities at ESPN for about 20 years. I've known what you can and can't get away with, I've been there for the ebbs and flows of the things that you can do, whether it be [on] digital or whatever it is. I've seen all the changes. Advertisement 'This is wild. There are officially no rules, as long as you're talking about stuff that doesn't really matter. Because, talking about stuff that matters — there is less of that. They've concluded that people don't want that, OK. And then they can't control anything that anybody does because you can't control what McAfee does. I saw clips of that show and was just like, 'This is insane, I don't know anything that is going on over there.'' ESPN always knew Gillis' comedic stylings weren't going to be for everyone, but there were no worries about the 'Tires' star, who has worked with the network on its 'College GameDay' show, The Post learned last week. 4 Shane Gillis speaks onstage during the 2025 ESPY Awards at Dolby Theatre on July 16, 2025 in Hollywood, California. Getty Images Advertisement ESPN declined to comment. Gillis certainly pushed the envelope at the ESPYs. The actor faced some scrutiny for his jokes, which took aim at new Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and O.J. Simpson. Jones said he was surprised because the ESPN that he knew was much more strict when it came to 'what you can and can't get away with' on-air. Advertisement 4 Pat McAfee on his ESPN show before the game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers during Game 6 of the 2025 NBA Finals on June 19, 2025 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana on June 19, 2025 NBAE via Getty Images McAfee joined ESPN in September 2023, when he took his namesake daily talk show from FanDuel to daytime television for a lucrative payday. The former NFL punter appeared at the 2025 ESPYs to honor Lee Corso, whose last show as a full-time cast member of 'College GameDay' is Aug. 30 in Columbus, Ohio. McAfee and fellow castmates Kirk Herbstreit and Desmond Howard took the stage to share remarks of how Corso has impacted their broadcast careers. 4 (L-R) Kirk Herbstreit, Lee Corso, Pat McAfee and Desmond Howard speak onstage during the 2025 ESPY Awards at Dolby Theatre on July 16, 2025 in Hollywood, California. Getty Images The McAfee era at ESPN ushered in a new way of doing things, such as the host cursing on the mic and complaining about higher-ups at the company. In January 2024, McAfee made headlines for calling then-ESPN executive senior vice president of studio and event production, Norby Williamson, a 'rat' — and accusing Williamson of sabotaging his show. Advertisement Williamson was out at ESPN that April after nearly four decades, as The Post learned that he and Burke Magnus, the president of content, did not share a vision that aligned with ESPN's long-term strategy and that Magnus made the decision to part ways with the seasoned executive. McAfee is also a regular contributor on the ESPN shows, 'Get Up' and 'College GameDay,' among other programs.
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Former ESPN Star: There Are 'No Rules' At Company Now
Former ESPN Star: There Are 'No Rules' At Company Now originally appeared on The Spun. The ESPY Awards may have signified a tonal shift at ESPN. A network that has traditionally tried to steer clear of controversy selected Shane Gillis to host its annual award show. The comedian pushed the limits during a polarizing monologue that included jokes about Jeffrey Epstein, the Jan. 6 insurrection, Caitlin Clark's supposed love of "fist-fighting Black women," and Donald Trump sending him to the event to capture MLB superstar Juan Soto. Bomani Jones held various roles throughout his tenure at ESPN. The outspoken personality tested the company's boundaries when he wore a "Caucasians" shirt parodying the Cleveland Guardians' former Chief Wahoo mascot. On his The Right Time podcast, a surprised Jones discussed Gillis' divisive hosting performance. "Shane Gillis did not hit them all out of the park, but he hit a couple of them to the moon," Jones said. "I was like, I can't believe this is happening. There are officially no more rules at that place." Jones thinks the ESPN landscape is unrecognizable from his time with the company. "I worked with, for, in various capacities at ESPN for about 20 years. I've known what you can and can't get away with. I've been there for the ebbs and flows of the things that you can do, whether it be digital or whatever it is. I've seen all the changes," Jones said. "This is wild. There are officially no rules, as long as you're talking about stuff that doesn't really matter." The former radio and TV host noted that ESPN fosters fewer conversations about substantive topics because they've decided "people don't want that." As for expanding the limits of what personalities can get away with, Jones believes Pat McAfee opened Pandora's Box. "They can't control anything else that anybody does because they can't control what McAfee does," Jones theorized. "And so I saw clips of [the ESPYs] and was like, this is insane. I don't know anything that's going on over there."Former ESPN Star: There Are 'No Rules' At Company Now first appeared on The Spun on Jul 22, 2025 This story was originally reported by The Spun on Jul 22, 2025, where it first appeared.
USA Today
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Shedeur Sanders helps organize community event after East Cleveland fire
Shedeur Sanders is doing his part to ingratiate himself with his new neighbors. Sanders, the Cleveland Browns' fifth-round rookie quarterback, helped organize and hosted a community event in East Cleveland on Wednesday, according to ESPN. One of the main goals of the event was to bring together the community after an explosion and fire at an apartment complex in late June killed one man and destroyed more than 40 units. The Garden Valley Fun Fest included free food from food trucks, free haircuts, games and other activities. Sanders, along with Browns defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr., reportedly took pictures and chatted with fans for hours before putting together "an impromptu game of football with kids." SHEDEUR SANDERS: Shane Gillis roasts Colorado QB over jersey number retirement during ESPYS "I just wanted a day for everybody to get out here and have some type of enjoyment, excitement, bring just the family atmosphere back," Sanders said, according to News 5 Cleveland. The Browns selected Sanders in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft in late April. He said on his introductory press conference call shortly after the Browns drafted him that "I'll be more involved in the community." He's making good on that promise before he has even played a snap. Sanders is expected to battle for the Browns' starting quarterback job throughout training camp and the preseason. He's one of five quarterbacks Cleveland has on its roster, along with veterans Joe Flacco, Deshaun Watson and Kenny Pickett, plus fellow rookie and 2025 third-round pick Dillon Gabriel. The Browns' rookies are due to report to training camp Friday, with veterans to follow suit on Tuesday, July 22.
Mint
5 days ago
- Sport
- Mint
Who is Christian Pulisic? USMNT star beats Lamine Yamal to win 2025 ESPYS best soccer player award
Christian Pulisic, the captain of the U.S. Men's National Team (USMNT), has added another accolade to his growing resume by winning the Best Soccer Player award at the 2025 ESPYS. Pulisic outshone a formidable trio from Barcelona, Lamine Yamal, Aitana Bonmatí, and Alexia Putellas, to claim the award, determined by public vote. This victory also highlights his remarkable 2024-25 season with AC Milan. Christian Pulisic delivered his best professional campaign yet, tallying an impressive 17 goals and 10 assists in 50 appearances for AC Milan. His contributions were instrumental in securing the Italian Super Cup for the Rossoneri, their first since 2016. A standout moment came in a dramatic 3–2 comeback win against rivals Inter Milan, where Pulisic scored a crucial goal. 'That goal against Inter was one of those moments you dream about as a kid,' Pulisic said in a post-match interview, reflecting his passion for big stages. Despite his individual brilliance, AC Milan struggled in Serie A, finishing eighth and missing out on European competitions. However, Pulisic's performances earned him widespread admiration. Pulisic's ESPYS win is particularly significant given the caliber of his competitors. Lamine Yamal, an 18-year-old sensation and a frontrunner for the 2025 Ballon d'Or, recorded 18 goals and 21 assists while helping Barcelona secure a domestic treble. Aitana Bonmati, the 2024 Women's Ballon d'Or winner, and Alexia Putellas, a two-time Ballon d'Or recipient, led Barcelona to another Liga F title, a fifth Spanish Super Cup, and an 11th Copa de la Reina. However, Pulisic's strong fanbase and exceptional season made him claim the win. By claiming the Best Soccer Player award, Pulisic has joined an exclusive list of soccer icons, including Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi, David Beckham, Ronaldinho, and Mia Hamm. The ESPYS, an annual ESPN-produced ceremony, celebrate athletic excellence, and Pulisic's victory underscores his growing influence. From his early days in Hershey, Pennsylvania, to starring for top clubs like Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea, and now AC Milan, Pulisic has amassed 56 goals and 41 assists in 258 appearances, including a hat trick. His 2025 ESPYS win is a testament to his talent and a sign of even greater achievements to come.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Simone Biles wins top awards at 2025 ESPYs
Simone Biles won two trophies at the ESPYS on Wednesday night, including the Women's Best Athlete award. The 11-time Olympic medalist also claimed the night's first award, Best Championship Performance for her efforts at the Paris Games.
