The fallout from Indianapolis Star columnist Gregg Doyel’s interaction with WNBA rookie Caitlin Clark continues to reverberate across social media, with fans expressing a range of reactions to the incident, particularly in response to Dave Portnoy’s accusation of Doyel being a “pervert.”
The incident occurred during Clark’s introductory press conference with the Indiana Fever, where Doyel’s attempt to mimic Clark’s signature heart hand gestures sparked controversy. Doyel’s comment, “Well, start doing it to me, and we’ll get along just fine,” drew criticism from many quarters, with some labeling it as inappropriate or unprofessional.
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
Many fans took to Twitter to voice their opinions on the matter, with some calling for action to be taken against Doyel by the Indiana Fever or the Indianapolis Star.
About 8 hours too late Greg. Damage has been done. You knew exactly what you were doing. @indystar should let you go.
— Brandon Reef (@BrandonReef) April 17, 2024
Ur an embarrassment to all the great hardworking people in the Indy media, this isn’t a one time thing, lost my respect after being disrespectful to the Colts head coach 💯
— Indysports (@Indysports1812) April 17, 2024
No! Not a column. A phone call. A mea culpa. An acknowledgment that it was completely unprofessional – not awkward & clumsy! You are a veteran reporter NOT ON A FIRST DATE
— Peggy Kusinski (@peggykusinski) April 17, 2024
As a journalist, you are supposed to be asking questions. You are literally speaking to a decorated athlete and a generational talent, and this is degrading to Caitlyn as a woman and as an athlete.
Clumsy and awkward = disrespectful and creepy.
— Carolina Teague – The Mic Slayer (@CTtheMicSlayer) April 17, 2024
You can say it had good intentions…but you are a reporter. You are a journalist. You are a professional.
You KNOW that you shouldn’t have done that.
It wasn’t clumsy. It wasn’t awkward.
It was wrong.
— Doctor Disney (@Doctor_Disney) April 18, 2024
