Indianapolis reporter ripped for 'creepy' exchange with Caitlin Clark
He later apologized on X
Article content
Caitlin Clark’s introductory news conference with the Indiana Fever was one to remember – for the wrong reasons.
Clark hasn’t even been a member of the WNBA squad for a week and she already has found her biggest fan – a reporter from the Indianapolis Star.
tap here to see other videos from our team.
Indianapolis reporter ripped for 'creepy' exchange with Caitlin Clark Back to video
During the 22-year-old’s first meeting with the press in Indianapolis, Gregg Doyel of the Star appeared to make things a bit awkward for the city’s newest sports star and pretty much everyone else in the room.
When he had the opportunity to ask a question, Doyel began by identifying himself and then said, “I’ll only do this” while showing the hoopster’s signature ‘heart’ hand sign.
Clark smiled and asked: “You like that?” to which Doyel responded “I like that you’re here.”
She then stated that she does that gesture “at my family after every game.”
That’s when social media users thought things got a bit cringey.
“Start doing it to me and we’ll get along just fine,” Doyel replied.
While some in attendance laughed at the exchange, Clark’s expression seemed to be one of disbelief.
Users on social media were quick to comment on the inappropriateness of the exchange.
“I would totally understand if the Fever revoked Gregg Doyel’s credentials for this creepy back and forth with Caitlin,” replied CBS sports reporter Chris Williamson.
“Almost every one of my women colleagues and students in sport media and sports journalism are sharing that clip of Gregg Doyel and Caitlin Clark with disgust. We are rightly furious and fed up,” wrote Shireen Ahmed, a contributor for CBC Sports. “His creds should be revoked and offered to an unentitled journalist who respects women.”
Not long after the clip went viral for its creepy nature, Doyel offered his apology on X.
“Today in my uniquely oafish way, while welcoming (Clark) to Indy, I formed my hands into her signature (gesture). My comment afterward was clumsy and awkward. I sincerely apologize,” he wrote.
“Please know my heart (literally and figuratively) was well-intentioned. I will do better.”
Some people weren’t accepting the apology, though.
“Clumsy and awkward is an interesting way to describe creepy and unprofessional,” one user replied.
As for Clark, after her meagre WNBA contract went viral earlier this week, the former Iowa Hawkeyes star reportedly is on the verge of signing an “eight-figure” endorsement deal with Nike. According to reports, Clark would also get a signature shoe made by the sportswear giant.
That sponsorship would greatly increase her income after it was revealed that Clark will make just US$338,056 over her first four years in the WNBA.
According to Sportrac, the sharpshooter will earn $76,535 in her rookie year and will max out at $97,582 in 2027.
Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information.