Gregg Doyel, a columnist for the Indianapolis Star, found himself in hot water after an awkward interaction with new Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark at her introductory news conference. Doyel flashed a heart sign at Clark, which she used to signal her family at Iowa games. This led to an uncomfortable exchange in which Doyel made a comment that rubbed many people the wrong way. The incident sparked strong backlash on social media, with many criticizing Doyel for his behavior. Some pointed out the differences in how male and female athletes are treated by the media.
In response to the backlash, Doyel issued an apology for his actions. He acknowledged that his comments were clumsy and awkward and expressed his sincere apologies. Doyel recognized that he had made a mistake and vowed to do better in the future. Despite his apology, many were still upset with how he had treated Clark and highlighted the need for all journalists to approach press conferences with knowledge and respect for the athletes they are covering. The incident was seen as emblematic of a larger issue of sexism and disrespect towards female athletes in the sports media landscape.
Clark, who was selected by the Fever as the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA Draft, has garnered significant attention due to her stellar performances at Iowa. While she did not win a national title with the Hawkeyes, Clark’s success helped raise the profile of women’s basketball and attract record viewership. The Iowa women’s basketball team set viewership records during the NCAA tournament, culminating in a championship game watched by nearly 18.7 million viewers. The WNBA Draft also saw record viewership numbers, reflecting the growing interest in women’s sports.
Despite the controversy surrounding Doyel’s remarks, Clark remains focused on her upcoming season with the Fever. Alongside Aliyah Boston, Clark will look to lead the team back to the playoffs for the first time since 2016. The Fever’s schedule will feature a significant number of nationally televised games, showcasing the team’s talents and providing greater visibility for women’s basketball. Clark and the Fever are set to open their season against the Connecticut Sun on May 14, with high expectations for a successful and impactful campaign.
The incident involving Doyel and Clark highlighted broader issues of sexism and disrespect towards female athletes in the sports media. The backlash against Doyel prompted discussions about the treatment of women in sports journalism and the importance of approaching athletes with professionalism and respect. Clark’s rise to stardom and the increased viewership of women’s basketball underscored the growing interest and support for women in sports. As Clark prepares for her debut with the Fever, the focus remains on her talent and potential to make a significant impact on the team and the sport as a whole.
