Comedian Shane Gillis made headlines with a controversial Caitlin Clark joke during his opening monologue as host of the 2025 ESPY Awards. The joke, delivered in Los Angeles on July 16, 2025, quickly stirred reactions due to its sharp edge and racial undertone, casting a spotlight on both Gillis and the WNBA star Clark.
The Joke That Caused a Stir
During the show, Gillis turned his comedic lens toward Indiana Fever’s standout player, Caitlin Clark. He quipped:
“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.”
This joke referenced the intense physical confrontations Clark has experienced throughout her professional basketball career. The mention of Waffle House, known colloquially for late-night disputes, added a layer of cultural stereotype that many found troubling. The joke was met with polite laughter from the audience but soon sparked broader criticism across social media and sports communities.
Clark was not present at the ESPYs due to an ongoing injury evaluation, having left a recent game clutching her upper leg and visibly upset. Her absence and the timing of the joke contributed to the sensitivity of the moment.
Key Points Summary
- Shane Gillis hosted the 2025 ESPYs and included a controversial Caitlin Clark joke in his monologue.
- The joke linked Clark’s retirement to working at a Waffle House and engaging in fights, invoking racial stereotypes.
- Caitlin Clark was absent from the event while recovering from a leg injury.
- The joke sparked a mix of reactions, from polite laughter at the event to criticism online.
- Clark is a prominent WNBA player known for her aggressive playing style and has been recognized with awards such as Best WN Player at the ESPYs.
Context and Audience Reactions
Gillis’ joke landed in a charged atmosphere where the WNBA and Caitlin Clark have been subjects of intense media scrutiny. Clark’s on-court confrontations have been widely discussed in terms of competitiveness and race, prompting dialogues about stereotypes in sports humor.
Many fans and commentators found the joke problematic. Critics argued it reinforced racial caricatures by focusing on physical altercations involving Black women and reduced serious athletic competition to a clichéd and offensive punchline. Some labeled the joke “pathetic” and questioned its appropriateness at a prestigious sports awards ceremony intended to honor athletic excellence.
Others who follow Clark’s career took the joke in stride, noting that Clark herself reportedly has a sense of humor and that the line was delivered in a roast-style setting typical of ESPYs hosts pushing boundaries. However, this position did not dominate the conversation, as the backlash remained significant.
Shane Gillis’ Overall ESPYs Performance
Gillis’ monologue did not stop at Caitlin Clark. He delivered sharp and edgy jokes aimed at various sports figures, including NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers, former President Donald Trump, and other athletes. Some of his political and social commentary also received mixed reactions, with some viewers praising the boldness while others felt certain jokes fell flat or were in poor taste.
His approach drew comparisons to classic ESPYs hosts like Norm Macdonald but sparked debate on the fine line between humor and disrespect at high-profile events.
Caitlin Clark’s Current Status and Impact
At the time of the ESPYs, Clark was sidelined with a groin injury suffered in an intense late-quarter moment in a recent Indiana Fever game. Her injury status remains under evaluation, with her participation in upcoming events uncertain.
Despite the controversy, Clark’s stature in women’s basketball continues to rise. She has been a key figure in the WNBA, known for her three-point shooting prowess and tenacious style. Her accolades include all-WNBA team honors and Rookie of the Year awards. Fans of the sport watch her career closely as she shapes the future of women’s basketball.
As the conversations around Shane Gillis’ Caitlin Clark joke unfold, the intersections of sports, race, and comedy will remain a focal point for fans and commentators alike. Feel free to share your thoughts below or follow along for the latest updates on this evolving story.