The Indianapolis Star has barred columnist Gregg Doyel from covering Caitlin Clark, as well as the WNBA's Indiana Fever, after Doyel's remarks at Clark's introductory press conference.
“Indianapolis Star sports columnist Gregg Doyel will not be covering the Indiana Fever,” Star spokesperson Lark-Marie Anton wrote in an email to The Washington Post.
The Star disciplined Doyel for his exchange with Clark at the press conference, which transpired as follows:
"Hi, Caitlin, Gregg Doyel, Indy Star. Real quick, let me do this," Doyel said to Clark before making a heart sign with his hands.
"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 said.
"OK, well start doing that to me, and we'll get along just fine," Doyel responded.
Members of the media denounced Doyel's comments, and Doyel himself took to social media to apologize.
"Today, in my uniquely oafish way, while welcoming Caitlin Clark to Indy, I formed my hands in her signature [heart]," 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."
In a column written after the incident, Doyel apologized further, saying, "I’m devastated to realize I’m part of the problem. I screwed up Wednesday during my first interaction with No. 1 overall draft pick Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever."
