An Indianapolis sports columnist, Gregg Doyel, will no longer be covering the Indiana Fever and Caitlin Clark after an awkward interaction with the basketball star at a news conference. Doyel made a heart symbol, which Clark typically does for her family after games, leading to a cringeworthy exchange. Clark expressed discomfort with Doyel’s comments, prompting backlash from fans who felt that male athletes do not usually face such affection from reporters. Doyel later apologized for his actions, but it was confirmed that he will not be involved in Fever coverage moving forward.
The incident occurred following Clark’s selection as the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA draft and her subsequent introduction to local journalists at a news conference. Doyel’s inappropriate behavior led to his removal from any coverage related to the Fever team. The management did not disclose further details about any personnel actions, but it was clear that Doyel’s interaction with Clark was deemed unprofessional and unacceptable. The fact that Doyel’s behavior received such attention demonstrates the importance of maintaining appropriate boundaries in interactions between journalists and athletes.
After the incident, Doyel faced criticism for his behavior from fans and industry professionals. The awkward exchange highlighted the double standards that exist in sports reporting, with male athletes rarely facing the kind of overt, cringeworthy affection exhibited by Doyel. The incident also sparked a larger conversation about the treatment of female athletes in the media and the need for reporters to approach their coverage with respect and professionalism. Doyel’s removal from Fever coverage serves as a reminder of the consequences of crossing boundaries in sports journalism.
Despite the backlash, Doyel later issued an apology for his actions, acknowledging the inappropriateness of his behavior towards Clark. He expressed regret for the incident and stated that he would be taking some time off, with plans to return to work in May. It is unclear how Doyel’s absence will impact his future coverage of sports teams and athletes in Indianapolis. However, the incident with Clark serves as a cautionary tale for journalists about the importance of maintaining professionalism and respect in their interactions with athletes, especially when covering women’s sports.
