The 2025 ESPY Awards brought together the biggest stars in sports at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles for a night of celebration, laughter, emotional tributes, and some controversy. Hosted by stand-up comedian Shane Gillis, the event honored athletic excellence, resilience, and humanitarian efforts over the past year.
The evening’s biggest individual winner was Simone Biles, who took home two major awards, while host Shane Gillis delivered a polarizing monologue that quickly became the most talked-about moment of the night.
Simone Biles Wins Best Female Athlete and Best Championship Performance
Simone Biles, widely regarded as the greatest gymnast of all time, added to her historic legacy by winning two ESPY Awards—one for Best Female Athlete and another for Best Championship Performance.
At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Biles made a powerful comeback after taking a mental health break in the Tokyo Games. She helped Team USA reclaim the gold in the women’s gymnastics team competition for the first time since 2016. Individually, Biles also secured three gold medals and one silver, solidifying her position as an enduring icon of excellence in sports.
Her award for Best Championship Performance came as a surprise to many, including Biles herself, as the nominees included three high-performing male athletes: Stephen Curry (NBA), Freddie Freeman (MLB), and Rory McIlroy (PGA).
During her acceptance speech, Biles said she felt “honored and surprised,” particularly being the only woman nominated in a male-dominated category. She shared a joyful moment with her husband, Jonathan Owens, a safety for the Chicago Bears, by giving him a kiss before heading onstage.
Biles’ return to form after enduring personal struggles and her advocacy for mental health has inspired athletes and fans globally. She now holds 11 Olympic medals and continues to redefine what it means to be a champion, both physically and mentally.
Shane Gillis Opens with Controversial Monologue, Dividing the Crowd
The evening’s host, Shane Gillis, known for his raw and controversial comedic style, kicked off the show with a 10-minute monologue that quickly made headlines. While some jokes landed well, others sparked backlash and visible discomfort in the crowd.
Misnaming Diana Taurasi Draws Instant Criticism
Gillis started by acknowledging legendary WNBA star Diana Taurasi, who was being honored with the Icon Award. However, he mistakenly referred to her as “Deanna,” prompting a visibly unimpressed Taurasi to shake her head on camera. Gillis quickly apologized, saying, “My bad on that,” but the moment set the tone for an uneasy opening.
Racially Charged Joke About Caitlin Clark Sparks Outrage
Gillis then made a highly controversial joke about WNBA rookie sensation Caitlin Clark, who was not present at the event. He suggested that when she retires, she might end up working at a Waffle House, adding, “so she can continue doing what she loves most: fist-fighting Black women.”
While a few in the audience laughed uncomfortably, the joke was met with widespread criticism online for reinforcing harmful racial stereotypes and targeting a young female athlete.
Gillis Pushes Further With Jokes on Politics, Age Gaps, and Infamous Figures
Gillis continued with jokes referencing controversial figures like Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein, keeping the tone edgy and often polarizing.
One joke that received strong laughter involved former Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, who is dating 24-year-old Jordon Hudson. Gillis quipped:
“A bookie is what Bill Belichick reads to his girlfriend before bedtime. They read ‘The Very Horny Caterpillar,’ ‘The Little Engine That Could But Needed a Pill First,’ and the classic ‘Goodnight Boobs.’”
As the jokes escalated, Gillis acknowledged the discomfort:
“Maybe if you guys won six Super Bowls, you wouldn’t be sitting next to a fat ugly dog wife.”
He paused, then admitted:
“Yeah, I should’ve cut that one.”
Some Athletes Took It in Stride
Not all jokes flopped. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the NBA Finals MVP, chuckled when Gillis teased:
“SGA is here. Everybody sitting around him is in foul trouble.”
Gillis later referenced the late Norm Macdonald, who hosted the 1998 ESPYs and was known for his sharp, deadpan humor. He retold one of Norm’s favorite controversial jokes about O.J. Simpson, saying to Travis Hunter, a Colorado two-way football star:
“That’s something they can never take away from you—unless you kill your wife and a waiter.”
He ended his set with a smile and a dose of self-awareness:
“I see a lot of you don’t like me and that’s OK. That went about exactly how we all thought it was going to go. I don’t know why this happened.”
Jimmy V Award Goes to Coach Katie Schumacher-Cawley
One of the most heartfelt moments of the night came when Katie Schumacher-Cawley, head coach of the Penn State women’s volleyball team, accepted the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance.
In September, Schumacher-Cawley was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer. Despite the life-changing news, she did not miss a single practice session and led her team to the NCAA national championship, becoming the first woman ever to coach a team to a title while undergoing treatment.
Surrounded by her husband and children, she gave an emotional and inspiring speech:
“Cancer changed my life, but it didn’t take it. It didn’t take my belief, it didn’t take my spirit, and it didn’t take my team.”
Her story drew a standing ovation and highlighted the resilience and strength behind the victories that happen off the court.
Sports Humanitarian Awards Celebrate Impact Beyond the Game
The ESPYs also honored those making significant social contributions through sports:
Indianapolis Colts — Sports Humanitarian Team of the Year
The Colts were recognized for their mental health initiative “Kicking the Stigma,” which promotes awareness and access to mental health treatment across communities. The campaign includes public service announcements, funding for mental health services, and partnerships with nonprofits.
Sloane Stephens — Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award
Sloane Stephens, former U.S. Open tennis champion, was honored for her foundation’s work to make tennis more accessible for underrepresented youth. The Sloane Stephens Foundation provides coaching, mentoring, education support, and access to tennis courts and equipment.
She beat out finalists including:
- CJ McCollum, NBA guard and social justice advocate
- Alex Ovechkin, NHL star known for charitable work
Michele Kang — Sports Philanthropist of the Year
Michele Kang, owner of the Washington Spirit (NWSL) and a tech entrepreneur, received this award for her work in transforming the landscape of women’s sports ownership. She’s also investing in international clubs and fighting for gender equity in professional sports.
Billy Bean — Stuart Scott ENSPIRE Award
Former MLB player Billy Bean, currently a senior executive in Major League Baseball, was recognized for advocating LGBTQ+ inclusion in professional sports. Bean came out after his playing career and has since worked to foster diversity and acceptance in baseball and beyond.
A Night of Triumph, Tension, and Truth
The 2025 ESPY Awards reflected the full spectrum of sports: the greatness of champions like Simone Biles, the courage of cancer survivors like Katie Schumacher-Cawley, and the messy unpredictability of live entertainment.
While Shane Gillis’ monologue may have overshadowed some of the night’s more celebratory moments, the awards ceremony succeeded in spotlighting those who inspire not only through athletic excellence but through perseverance, humanitarian impact, and authenticity.
The Information is Collected from NBC News and AP News.
