Shane Gillis Courts Controversy With Deshaun Watson Joke at ESPYs

Comedian Shane Gillis, hosting the 2025 ESPY Awards on 17 July, delivered several sketches and jokes that drew attention in the broadcast’s opening segment. In one bit, Gillis teamed with comedian Druski for a parody of the Philadelphia Eagles’ short-yardage “tush push” play, which featured a cameo by Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni. Gillis also referenced Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, joking, “Put your hands where my eyes can see is what they say when Deshaun Watson gets a massage.” Gillis added that he “didn’t write” the line and “didn’t want to tell it,” but the remark nonetheless evoked the sexual-misconduct allegations that led to Watson’s 11-game NFL suspension in 2022.