Sports Commentator Criticizes Comedian Over Remarks on Female Athletes

Sports media personality Sarah Spain has publicly called out comedian Shane Gillis for his recent jokes about women in sports, describing his commentary as outdated and uninspired.

During a recent comedy set, Gillis made remarks that Spain and others found dismissive of female athletes’ accomplishments. Spain, known for her advocacy for gender equality in sports, took to social media to express her frustration, arguing that such humor undermines the progress women have made in athletics.

“These kinds of tired, recycled jokes about female athletes aren’t just lazy—they perpetuate stereotypes that women in sports still battle every day,” Spain wrote. She emphasized that female competitors deserve the same respect as their male counterparts and that comedians should move beyond cheap shots at their expense.

Gillis, who has faced controversy in the past for his comedic style, has yet to respond publicly. Meanwhile, the debate over humor, gender, and sports continues, with many fans and commentators siding with Spain’s perspective.

Critics of Gillis argue that comedy should evolve with the times, while some of his supporters claim the backlash is an overreaction. Regardless, the discussion highlights ongoing tensions over how female athletes are portrayed in media and entertainment.