The Indy Star has implemented disciplinary actions against columnist Gregg Doyel following his conduct at Caitlin Clark’s introductory press conference last month.
Doyel, a seasoned journalist, has received a two-week suspension and will be barred from covering Indiana Fever games in person throughout the summer.
Bob Kravitz of the Indy Star reported that the suspension was enforced by both the newspaper’s parent company, Gannett, and the Indy Star itself. During his suspension, Doyel is restricted to writing about the Fever from home by watching games on television.
The incident in question occurred during Clark’s press conference on April 17, after she was selected first overall in the WNBA Draft. The exchange between Doyel and Clark was criticized for being awkward and inappropriate:
Doyel initiated the interaction by making a “heart hands” gesture and saying, “Gregg Doyel, Indy Star. Real quick, let me do this.” Clark responded, “You like that?” to which Doyel replied, “I like that you’re here, I like that you’re here.” He then added, “Well, start doing it to me, and we’ll get along just fine.”
Doyel later expressed regret for his remarks, apologizing on social media: “Today in my uniquely oafish way, while welcoming @CaitlinClark22 to Indy, I formed my hands into her signature ?. My comment afterward was clumsy and awkward. I sincerely apologize. Please know my heart (literally and figuratively) was well-intentioned. I will do better.”
As Caitlin Clark prepares for her rookie season in the WNBA, all eyes are set on her and the Fever, with their 2024 regular season starting next week.
