Indiana Fever/YouTube
IndyStar reporter Gregg Doyel has come under fire for having an uncomfortable exchange with Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark during a recent press conference.
Clark was selected with the no. 1 pick in Monday’s WNBA Draft by the Fever. In her introductory presser Wednesday, Doyel began his interaction with Clark by making a heart gesture with his hands. The gesture is something Clark regularly did in the direction of her family during her games at the University of Iowa.
“You like that?” Clark said with a grin.
“I like that you’re here,” Doyel responded.
When Clark explained that she makes the gesture for her family, Doyel bizarrely expressed his desire to be included in it.
“OK, well start doing it to me and we’ll get along just fine,” he said.
Awkward laughter filled the room.
Other reporters were furious with the clip. Some on the internet even called for Doyel to be stripped of his credential for Fever events.
Just remember: this male reporter was comfortable enough to say this to a 22 year old celebrity, in front of all his peers, during a live press conference, AS PART OF HIS JOB HE GETS PAID FOR.
& we wonder why so few women are in sports journalism or journalism leadership roles? https://t.co/lz85WIfLzB
— Emily Bloch (@emdrums) April 17, 2024
Presented without further comment other than: Unprofessional as it gets.
Gross. https://t.co/bF5IDUAmma
— David Eickholt (@DavidEickholt) April 17, 2024
Dear (male) sports writers 📢 DO NOT DO THIS. This is creepy and unprofessional, and the athletes you cover and your readers you serve deserve better. https://t.co/tNRoxltt9z
— Lindsay Jones (@bylindsayhjones) April 18, 2024
This is digusting behavior. Make sure this reporter has his credentials taken away and please don’t allow him near women’s sports ever again. https://t.co/kcOR2HCiKu
— Grace (@gracesporttakes) April 18, 2024
This is disgusting and unethical. And not something that Caitlin should have to worry about.
This @indystar reporter should not cover another @IndianaFever or women’s sports event again. https://t.co/gipDcQH0uw
— Kim Adams (@_kimadams) April 17, 2024
I’ve never been one to immediately call for someone’s head, but this is an immediate third strike. Full stop, unacceptable. https://t.co/00M7xsAcnC
— Farbod Esnaashari (@Farbod_E) April 17, 2024
In response to the backlash, Doyel apologized online and claimed he was welcoming Clark to the team in his “uniquely oafish way.”
“My comment afterward was clumsy and awkward,” Doyel said in the tweet. “I sincerely apologize. Please know my heart (literally and figuratively) was well-intentioned. I will do better.”
Today in my uniquely oafish way, while welcoming @CaitlinClark22 to Indy, I formed my hands into her signature 🫶. My comment afterward was clumsy and awkward. I sincerely apologize. Please know my heart (literally and figuratively) was well-intentioned. I will do better.
— Gregg Doyel (@GreggDoyelStar) April 17, 2024
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