Journalist Suspended Over Inappropriate Caitlin Clark Comments
Indianapolis Star columnist Gregg Doyel, who went viral last month over an interaction with newly minted Indiana Fever draft pick Caitlin Clark, has been suspended from his job for two weeks as a result of the exchange.
The incident, which can be described as awkward at best and inappropriate at worst, occurred during Clark’s introductory press conference with her new team on April 17. After introducing himself, Doyel made the heart hand gesture at Clark that she’s known for flashing at games. “Real quick, I wanna do this,” he said to the rising WNBA star, who responded, “You like that?”
“I like that you’re here,” Doyel shot back. After explaining that she makes the gesture on behalf of her family, he inexplicably told her: “OK, well, start doing it to me and we’ll get along just fine.”
Clark’s discomfort with the remark was palpable, as was the rest of the internet’s. And according to former Indy Star journalist Bob Kravitz, it earned Doyel the two week suspension. Furthermore, he will not be permitted to attend any Fever games this summer, and instead will have to write columns by watching from his TV at home.
The Star’s Gregg Doyel is in the middle of a two-week suspension after the Caitlin Clark press-conference controversy. He will not cover any Fever games live this summer. https://t.co/8fFN8CRQKG
— Bob Kravitz (@bkravitz) May 7, 2024
In a piece on his website, Kravitz notes that Doyel’s last column was piece about the Colts published April 29, despite the fact that the Indiana Pacers are currently facing off in the semifinals against the New York Knicks.
“The Star had hoped to keep this under wraps,” Kravitz writes. “But it’s hard to hide the fact a lead columnist at a major metro has disappeared just weeks after an uncomfortable and unfortunate give-and-take with Clark at a significant press conference.”
When reaching out for comment, TMZ reports that the outlet received an instant, automated email reply from Doyel reading: “Hey there. Getting tired here, so taking some time off and won’t be checking email. If I can be of service when I return on May 13, please let me know then.”
After being widely criticized in the wake of the incident, Doyel attempted to apologize to Clark with a social media post and, later, an entire column, but only managed to stoke the flames even higher.
“Today in my uniquely oafish way, while welcoming Caitlin Clark to Indy, I formed my hands into her signature [heart],” he posted to X following the press conference. “My comment afterward was clumsy and awkward. I sincerely apologize. Please know my heart (literally and figuratively) was well-intentioned. I will do better.”
Hopefully Doyel has had time to truly think about the controversy during his time out.
