An incident at an introductory press conference for new Indiana Fever player Caitlin Clark in Indianapolis, Indiana, sparked controversy when sports columnist Gregg Doyel made a gesture towards the college basketball star. Doyel faced backlash for flashing a heart symbol at Clark and later apologized for his actions and comments during the interaction, which he described as “awkward.”
Clark, known for breaking NCAA scoring records while at the University of Iowa, was the No. 1 pick in the recent WNBA draft. The exchange between Doyel and Clark took place as the columnist welcomed her to the team at the press conference, with Clark reciprocating the gesture by stating she often does it with her family after games.
Following the incident, Doyel published a column online expressing his regret for his behavior, acknowledging that he had offended Clark and her family. He admitted to being part of the problem and recognized his insensitivity in trying to be “clever” and “welcoming” during the exchange. Doyel went on to apologize directly to Clark in his column, emphasizing the wrongfulness of his actions.
Clark’s basketball achievements, including breaking both the women’s and men’s NCAA all-time scoring records, have garnered significant attention and praise. Her success on the court led to increased viewership for the women’s NCAA championship game, where she stood out even in defeat. In the aftermath of her collegiate career, Clark has made several media appearances, showcasing her talent and potential as a rising star in women’s basketball.
Notably, Clark’s Indiana Fever jersey quickly became the best-selling jersey ever for a draft pick, highlighting the excitement and anticipation surrounding her professional debut. Her impact on the sport has been praised by fellow coaches and fans alike, underscoring her ability to elevate women’s basketball to new heights. Clark’s journey from collegiate standout to WNBA prospect continues to attract widespread interest and support from the basketball community.