Caitlin Clark, the newest member of the Indiana Fever in the WNBA, held her first press conference just two days after being drafted. During the conference, Clark answered questions and talked about her excitement to join the team. However, the mood took an uncomfortable turn when Indianapolis Star sports columnist Gregg Doyel made a heart shape with his hands at Clark, sparking a brief and awkward interaction between the two.
While some in the room laughed off the exchange, online criticism was swift and strong. Many sports journalists and fans found Doyel’s behavior unprofessional, sexist, and creepy, highlighting the disparities in how women in sports are treated compared to men. Clark, being a top scorer in college basketball, is earning significantly less in her first year in the WNBA than male athletes in comparable positions.
Following the backlash, Doyel issued an apology in a column on the same night. He admitted to realizing his mistake and expressed regret for his actions, acknowledging his role in perpetuating the mistreatment of women in sports. Doyel explained that he often initiates informal exchanges with players and coaches, but recognized that his interaction with Clark was inappropriate and offensive. He concluded his apology by expressing his sincerest apologies to Caitlin Clark.
The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges female athletes face in a male-dominated industry and the importance of treating all athletes with the respect and professionalism they deserve.