Serena Williams did the honors of hosting the ESPYs and she wasn’t pulling any punches.
The tennis legend’s biggest “shots fired” moment came midway through the award show when she was joined by her sister, Venus, and Abbott Elementry star Quinta Brunson on stage.
The segment started by celebrating the astronomical rise of women’s sports in the past year. The Williams sisters and Brunson praised the next generation of female athletes, such as Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, before cracking a few jokes on how women’s sports have been covered in its time in the limelight.
Unfortunately for ESPN host Pat McAfee and Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker, those quips came at their expense.
Serena Williams roasts Harrison Butker, Pat McAfee at ESPYs
They ran through a list of acceptable terms when referring to female athletes, starting with “athlete,” “champion,” and even “dumbass.” Brunson was quick to mention that all athletes, sometimes, are dumbasses.
“Just don’t use the b-word,” they said in unison as the crowd cheered. “You know who you are,” added Serena.
That last part was a not-so-subtle shot at ESPN host McAfee, who recently referred to Fever star Clark as a “white bitch” in a rant about the WNBA.
“What we’re trying to say is, what the WNBA currently has is what we like to describe as a cash cow,” McAfee began on his show. “There is a superstar, but I would like the media people that continue to say, ‘This rookie class, this rookie class.’ Nah, just call it for what it is. There is one white bitch for the Indiana team who is a superstar.”
McAfee later apologized for his phrasing.
In the same segment, the Williams sisters and Brunson came after Chiefs kicker Butker, who was under heavy fire for a viral commencement speech at Benedictine College where he spoke about traditional women’s roles and LGBTQ+ Pride Month, among other things.
“Enjoy women’s sports, they’re just like other sports,” Venus began.
“Except you, Harrison Butker. We don’t need you,” Serena said.
“At all… like, ever,” Brunson added.
Shout out Harrison Butker! You still suck❤️😛#ESPY24 #Chiefs #HarrisonButker pic.twitter.com/I45Juvi0jA
— allie🤍 (@taylorxtravis) July 12, 2024
Butker was reportedly present in the crowd, but the camera did not show the Chiefs kicker.
No one was safe from Serena’s jabs at the ESPYs.