Story perspectives

Mike Tyson Questions Ohtani’s Gender at ESPYs, Highlights 300-HR Milestone

7/16/2026

Summary

Tyson Questions Ohtani

Mike Tyson presented the ESPY award and asked whether Shohei Ohtani was a man, a moment that went viral.
The award recognized Ohtani’s Game 4 performance in the 2025 NLCS, where he homered, struck out batters and became the fifth-fastest to 300 home runs in 1,102 games.
Jake Paul announced Ohtani’s absence, read his gratitude message and said Ohtani posted a .293 average with 22 homers and a 1.79 ERA in 2026.

Summary

Ohtani Misses All-Star

The ESPY ceremony was scheduled during MLB’s All-Star break, limiting participation.
Shohei Ohtani missed the All-Star festivities in Philadelphia because of a knee irritation and was nominated for ESPY Best Male Athlete award.
The Dodgers used the ESPY stage to announce an upcoming White House visit.
Fox News called the ESPYs a ‘dumpster fire,’ noting poor viewership.
The opening act featured the Savannah Bananas, whose quirky routine drew social-media buzz.

History

Historical Context

MLB’s 75th All-Star Game on July 13 2004 in Houston, where the American League won 9–4, is a cornerstone of the midsummer classic televised nationally by ESPN and Fox. Because the All-Star break creates a prime-time window, the 2025 ESPY clash that sidelined Shohei Ohtani highlights ongoing scheduling challenges during the break.

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Tyson Questions Ohtani

Mike Tyson presented the ESPY award and asked whether Shohei Ohtani was a man, a moment that went viral.
The award recognized Ohtani’s Game 4 performance in the 2025 NLCS, where he homered, struck out batters and became the fifth-fastest to 300 home runs in 1,102 games.
Jake Paul announced Ohtani’s absence, read his gratitude message and said Ohtani posted a .293 average with 22 homers and a 1.79 ERA in 2026.

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