Gregg Doyel, sports columnist for IndyStar, will no longer be covering the WNBA team Indiana Fever due to a cringeworthy exchange he had with player Caitlin Clark during her introductory news conference. During the conference, Doyel made a heart gesture with his hands towards Clark, who responded by saying she often does that with her family after games. Doyel then replied with a comment that was deemed inappropriate, and he later apologized for his actions in a public statement and column.
Following the incident, the parent company of IndyStar, Gannett, did not respond to inquiries about whether Doyel would continue to cover the team during the season. Doyel’s last article was published in April on the NFL draft of the Indianapolis Colts. Despite the controversy surrounding Doyel’s behavior, there has been no confirmation on his future coverage of the team. CNN reached out to Doyel for comment on the situation but has not received a response as of yet.
The incident with Doyel and Clark took place during Clark’s introduction as the newest member of the Indiana Fever, a WNBA team. The gesture made by Doyel and his subsequent comments were considered inappropriate, leading to backlash and criticism. Despite issuing an apology for his actions the same day, this controversy has raised concerns about Doyel’s coverage of the team moving forward into the season. The Indiana Fever is set to kick off their 25th regular season next week against the Connecticut Sun.
The controversy surrounding Doyel and his inappropriate behavior towards Caitlin Clark at the Indiana Fever news conference has sparked discussions about the boundaries of media coverage and appropriate conduct. Doyel’s actions and subsequent apology have drawn attention to issues of professionalism and respect within the sports journalism industry. As the situation unfolds, there is uncertainty about Doyel’s future involvement in covering the team during the upcoming season, with the parent company remaining silent on the matter.
The incident involving Doyel and Clark has highlighted the importance of respectful and appropriate interactions between reporters and athletes in the sports industry. Doyel’s behavior has sparked conversation about the need for journalists to maintain professionalism and avoid crossing boundaries with the subjects they cover. As the story continues to develop, there will likely be ongoing scrutiny of Doyel’s coverage of the Indiana Fever and how the situation is addressed by both the team and the media outlet. Moving forward, there may be increased awareness and sensitivity to issues of respect and conduct within sports journalism.
The fallout from Doyel’s inappropriate behavior towards Caitlin Clark at the Indiana Fever news conference has brought attention to the responsibilities and expectations of sports journalists when covering professional athletes. The incident has raised concerns about the need for greater accountability and awareness of appropriate conduct in interactions between reporters and players. As the situation unfolds, there will likely be continued discussions about the implications of this incident on Doyel’s role in covering the team moving forward. The outcome of this controversy may lead to changes in how media outlets address issues of professionalism and respect in sports journalism.