Shane Gillis just turned what should have been a celebration into one of the most uncomfortable nights in ESPYs history. The comedian’s July 16 hosting performance at the Dolby Theatre left UConn women’s basketball fans fuming and social media exploding with criticism. His jokes didn’t just miss the mark – they created an atmosphere so awkward that you could see the discomfort on the athletes’ faces.
The backlash was immediate and brutal. Social media platforms were filled with angry fans who felt Gillis had crossed the line during what was supposed to be a celebration of athletic achievement. Viral posts showing UConn players in the audience captured their apparent discomfort, turning their reactions into the story of the night.
What Made Shane Gillis’ Best Team Segment So Controversial?
The controversy exploded during Gillis’s segment about the Best Team nominees. When he got to UConn women’s basketball, his dismissive tone became impossible to ignore.
“Also, UConn women, they could also win best team,” Gillis said. “UConn women, they played against pros, right? Who were on the verge of a Super Bowl dynasty? No, never mind. That was the Eagles. Go Birds.”
But that wasn’t even the worst part. His dismissive attitude toward women’s basketball continued throughout the monologue, including problematic jokes about other WNBA players and the league. The comedian made a particularly controversial joke about Caitlin Clark involving racial stereotypes and referenced Waffle House in a way that many found deeply offensive.
Adding insult to injury, he mistakenly called WNBA legend Diana Taurasi “Deanna” and introduced a fake WNBA player as a joke, saying, “I knew none of you knew WNBA players.”
The timing made it even worse. UConn women’s basketball was at the ESPYs following their historic 2024-25 national championship season, their first title since 2016. The team finished with a 37-3 record and went undefeated in Big East play. Key players Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong had been instrumental in the championship run, scoring 24 points each in the title game.
How Did Fans React to the UConn Players’ Visible Discomfort?
The social media response revealed how divided audiences were about Gillis’ performance. Multiple posts showed UConn players looking uncomfortable during the broadcast, with fans noting their expressions during the controversial segments.
One user said: “This host is actually terrible, like the girls look so over it.”
jana and allie were ready to GO
— naima (@naima1536) July 17, 2025
Another user commented: “Jana and Allie were ready to GO”
A user observed: “Azzi looks pissed.”
Azzi looks pissed 😭
— SMKP (@movie_time20) July 17, 2025
One fan noted: “Jana’s about to fight a b***h.”
Another user stated: “Like KK could’ve have done better hosting the awards.”
Like KK could’ve have done better hosting the awards
— EssEeJay (@summerJohn66230) July 17, 2025
A user remarked: “Jana giving the ‘I know u aren’t going to talk s**t about us look.'”
One fan wrote: “Azzi, kk and Sarah look traumatized.”
azzi, kk and sarah look traumatized
— sam (@sam_the_same) July 17, 2025
Comments flooded social media platforms expressing disappointment with the hosting choice. Fans criticized ESPN’s decision to select Gillis, pointing to his history of controversial comments, including his previous firing from Saturday Night Live for anti-Asian slurs. Many felt his style was inappropriate for an event celebrating athletic achievements, particularly women’s sports.
The reaction from the UConn community was particularly strong given that this was meant to be a celebration of their return to championship glory. Fudd had made headlines earlier in the evening with her stunning purple dress on the red carpet, which had gone viral on social media before the ceremony began.
The controversy overshadowed what should have been a celebratory night for the newly crowned national champions. While UConn didn’t win the Best Team award, which went to the Philadelphia Eagles, their nomination recognized their outstanding season and return to women’s college basketball prominence.
go birds