Reporter Suspended After Uncomfortable Exchange with Caitlin Clark and Will Not Attend Fever Games

Gregg Doyel, the seasoned reporter from the esteemed Indianapolis Star, found himself embroiled in controversy following an exchange with Caitlin Clark, the rising star of the Indiana Fever, during her debut press conference on April 17. The incident, which initially seemed innocuous, quickly spiraled into a social media storm, prompting action from Doyel's employer and raising questions about journalistic conduct and respect in sports media.
During Clark's introductory presser, Doyel, known for his candid and sometimes offbeat approach, attempted to connect with the basketball prodigy by mimicking her signature gesture-a heart-shaped hand symbol she traditionally shared with her family after Iowa Hawkeyes games. However, his attempt at camaraderie backfired when Clark, understandably perplexed, responded with a quizzical "You like that?"
Doyel's subsequent comment, "I like that you're here," followed by a suggestion for Clark to extend the same gesture to him, landed with a resounding thud in the room and echoed far beyond its walls as the clip circulated online. While some observers chuckled nervously, others, particularly women in sports media, decried Doyel's behavior as tone-deaf and disrespectful.
In the wake of the backlash, the Indianapolis Star, owned by Gannett, swiftly took action, suspending Doyel for two weeks and implementing measures to distance him from the Fever's activities. Despite continuing to cover the team through his columns, Doyel was barred from attending their games in person and participating in post-game press conferences-a symbolic move aimed at acknowledging the gravity of the situation and ensuring a respectful environment for players and journalists alike.
Doyel, to his credit, publicly apologized for his actions, acknowledging their inappropriateness and vowing to "do better" in his coverage of athletes. His contrition, expressed through social media posts and subsequent columns, underscored the need for greater sensitivity and awareness in sports journalism, particularly when interacting with female athletes.
As the controversy subsided and Doyel retreated from the public eye, the incident served as a sobering reminder of the power dynamics at play in sports media and the importance of fostering an inclusive and respectful environment for all involved parties. With Doyel's anticipated return to the Indianapolis Star, scheduled for May 13, the industry will be watching closely to see if lessons learned translate into lasting change.

[@jimwallace9036]

Glad to hear this except he should have been fired as he knew what he was implying and thought he was being cute, the media need to be more involved with FACTS, not implemented to mean something completely irrelevant. they have been getting away with far too many lies and incriminations especially in their political forums.