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Fans are not happy with an Indiana journalist for his awkward interaction with Caitlin Clark at her introductory press conference with the Indiana Fever. It was supposed to be a momentous occasion for Clark and the franchise, but it seems like it was overshadowed by Gregg Doyel's remarks.
Before Doyel asked Clark a question, he used her signature heart gesture and followed up with an awkward and uncomfortable exchange. Doyel, who works for the Indianapolis Star, issued an apology after receiving plenty of backlash from fans and fellow journalists.
"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."
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However, fans are not having any of Gregg Doyel's apology. They are still unhappy with his behavior towards Caitlin Clark. Some are even calling for his media credentials for the Indiana Fever revoked.
"Nah man, you;re straight up creepy," @WUTangKids wrote.
"Clumsy and awkward is an interesting way to describe creepy and unprofessional," @Teddy_20 responded.
"You won't do better. You will continue to be an arrogant narcissist. You tried to make yourself appear to be important. You're not," @jackson_steve replied.
Here are other reactions to Gregg Doyel's apology to Caitlin Clark:
"Indiana Fever needs to pull that press pass. Stick to interviewing men," @MONTECRI5TO suggested.
"You're 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," @Indysports1812 remarked.
"Dude that was creepy. No room in sports or ANY profession for that sh*t. You need to be fired," @scottm2032 shared.
Caitlin Clark excited for Indiana Fever fans
Caitlin Clark dusted off Gregg Doyel's comments and praised fans of the Indiana Fever for their support.
Clark feels excited to play for the Fever franchise and is hoping that fans will sell out the arena. She pointed out the thousands of people who watched the WNBA draft inside the Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
"Six thousand people just to stare at a screen and see who gets picked in the draft is pretty incredible, so I expect big numbers this summer," Clark said.
"I think people just couldn't be more excited about where this organization is going, the people that are on this roster and the potential, but also just women's basketball in general. People know it's special." [H/T CBS Sports]
Clark will make preseason debut for the Fever on May 3 in Dallas before returning home to Indiana for another preseason matchup against the Atlanta Fever on May 10. Her official WNBA debut will be on May 14 on the road versus the Connecticut Sun.
