Gregg Doyel Barred From Covering Indiana Fever, Caitlin Clark After Creepy Press Conference

Published|Updated

Last month, the Indiana Fever selected Caitlin Clark with the first overall pick in the WNBA Draft. A few days later, the team held an introductory press conference for their new star. Indianapolis Star "reporter" Gregg Doyel stole the show with several incredibly creepy moments during the event. 

First, Doyel made a gesture towards Clark where he formed his hands into a heart. Clark said she does that towards her family after every game. Doyel then insisted that she make that gesture towards him in exchange for positive coverage. 

One video of the exchange amassed nearly 50 million views on X (formerly Twitter). 

Later, during the same press conference, Doyel asked Fever head coach Christie Sides about Clark. Except, he did so, once again, in a very bizarre fashion. 

Gregg Doyel later issued an apology.

"Today in my uniquely oafish way, while welcoming @CaitlinClark22 to Indy, I formed my hands into her signature [heart emoji]," Doyel posted on X, formerly Twitter. 

"My comment afterward was clumsy and awkward. I sincerely apologize. Please know my heart (literally and figuratively) was well-intentioned. I will do better." 

IndyStar reporter Gregg Doyel, who had multiple bizarre moments during Caitlin Clark's intro press conference, is reportedly barred from covering the Indiana Fever.

(USA Today Network)

He also wrote a column about the incident(s), where he continued to apologize and claimed that he had become "part of the problem." Whatever that means. 

Well, apparently the apology wasn't enough to get him off the hook with his employer. According to longtime Indianapolis reporter Bob Kravitz, the Star suspended Gregg Doyel for two weeks. 

That makes sense, since Doyel hasn't written any stories for the paper or website since April 29. 

According to Kravitz, "The Star had hoped to keep this under wraps, but it’s hard to hide the fact a lead columnist at a major metro has disappeared just weeks after an uncomfortable and unfortunate give-and-take with Clark at a significant press conference." 

In addition, the paper is not allowing Doyel to attend any Indiana Fever games this season in a reporting capacity. He can still write about the team, but won't have any access to Clark in the near future. 

Caitlin Clark made her Indiana Fever debut in a WNBA preseason game last week. 

(Kevin Jairaj/USA TODAY Sports)

Fox News reached out to Gannett, the company that owns the Indianapolis Star, and here's what they responded: 

"As a matter of policy, we do not comment on personnel matters or personnel actions. Below is a statement regarding coverage of the team: 

"‘Indianapolis Star sports columnist Gregg Doyel will not be covering the Indiana Fever.’ - Lark-Marie Anton, Indy Star Spokesperson." 

That's probably excellent news for Clark, who likely wasn't looking forward to any future interactions with Doyel. It's also a sign that the paper isn't interested in getting anywhere near Clark's bad side, given that she's arguably the most important athlete in Indianapolis right now. 

It's a terrible sign for Gregg Doyel's future in the industry. To be one of the lead sports writers at a paper and be banned from covering one of the biggest sports stories in the country is nothing short of incredibly embarrassing for Doyel. 

But, the punishment has to fit the crime. In this case, it does. 

Tags
Written by

Dan began his sports media career at ESPN, where he survived for nearly a decade. Once the Stockholm Syndrome cleared, he made his way to OutKick. He is secure enough in his masculinity to admit he is a cat-enthusiast with three cats, one of which is named "Brady" because his wife wishes she were married to Tom instead of him.