Marcello Hernandez, a comedian from Saturday Night Live, delivered a sharp monologue at the ESPY Awards on Wednesday night, making pointed jokes about prominent sports figures including Tiger Woods and Bill Belichick.
Hernandez's routine drew parallels to Shane Gillis' 2025 ESPYs monologue, with a notable segment directed at Woods, who was arrested for driving under the influence in March. After acknowledging NFL quarterback Caleb Williams, Hernandez quipped, "And Tiger Woods will be on the cover of Grand Theft Auto." He added, "I love you Tiger, I'm a big fan," before eliciting laughter from the audience.
Woods' legal situation involved a DUI arrest after a single-car accident near his Jupiter Island home. He pleaded not guilty to the charges. According to reports, Woods blew clear on a breathalyzer test but refused a urine sample. Police found two hydrocodone pills, a painkiller, in his possession. He subsequently entered a rehabilitation facility in Switzerland for medication management and returned to the U.S. in June. His next court date is scheduled for August 4. Woods has since reappeared publicly, attending a PGA Tour press conference in late June to discuss structural changes to the season starting in 2028.
Bill Belichick, 74, also faced jest from Hernandez, specifically regarding his relationship with 25-year-old Jordon Hudson. Hernandez remarked on the perceived age gap by referencing the New York Knicks' championship drought, stating, "just to put into perspective how long ago that was, in 1973 hockey players didn't wear helmets, basketball had no three-point line... and in 1973 Bill Belichick was the age his girlfriend is now." The coach has been a subject of public commentary regarding his romance with Hudson since it became public in 2024.
Last year's ESPYs host, Shane Gillis, also addressed the age difference between Belichick and Hudson. Gillis's monologue included a joke comparing Belichick's relationship to a bedtime story, stating, '"Bookie" is what Bill Belichick reads to his girlfriend before bedtime.' Gillis also defended Belichick, noting his accomplishments, including six Super Bowl wins.
In addition to Woods and Belichick, Hernandez's monologue touched on the WNBA, Jake Paul, Jalen Brunson, and American sports fans. Notably, the routine did not mention Taylor Swift or Travis Kelce, despite their recent high-profile wedding.
The ESPY Awards annually recognize achievements in sports. The hosting duties have varied in recent years, with athletes like Serena Williams and Steph Curry also having hosted the event.