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Caitlin Clark had her introductory press conference for the Indiana Fever on Wednesday. It was supposed to be a great chapter for the Clark, the Fever and the WNBA, but Indianapolis Star columnist Gregg Doyel had an awkward exchange with Clark
In a tweet Doyel apologized to Clark after receiving massive backlash from fellow reporters, writers and fans online. He called his comments "clumsy and awkward" and was not trying to make the newest Indiana superstar uncomfortable.
"Today in my uniquely oafish way, while welcoming Caitlin Clark to Indy, I formed my hands into her signature," Doyel wrote.
"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 also wrote a column about his awkward interaction with Caitlin Clark. Doyel claimed that he went through stages of denial and anger before realizing he was "part of the problem" and apologized to Clark again.
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What did Gregg Doyel say to Caitlin Clark?
Gregg Doyel was about to ask Caitlin Clark a question when he used her signature heart hands at her. Clark used it regularly during her time in Iowa, but she would only flash the gesture to her family.
This awkward conversation followed:
"Real quick, let me do this," Doyel said before using the heart hands gesture.
"You like that?" Clark asked.
"I like that you're here. I like that you're here," Doyel replied.
"I do that at my family after every game, so," Clark responded.
"OK, well start doing that to me, and we'll get along just fine," Doyel said.
Caitlin Clark doesn't mind the pressure
Caitlin Clark knows there was a lot of pressure on her way before the Indiana Fever picked her No. 1 in the 2024 WNBA draft.
Clark said in her introductory press conference that she knows all about pressure. She dealt with it for most of her career and will continue to thrive on it.
"I certainly know there's pressure there," Clark said. "That's been my entire career.
"But, for me, I just have fun playing basketball. I know this a team sport, it's not all about me, it's not everything I have to do. When I've been able to understand that, that's allowed me to play my best, I think."
Clark even discussed fans who watched the draft at the Gainbridge FieldHouse on Monday. She's also hoping to get selected for Team USA for the upcoming Paris Olympics.
