Caitlin Clark's introduction to the Indiana Fever began with a strong start as over 10,000 people witnessed the team selecting her as the top pick in the WNBA draft. However, a local sports columnist made the situation awkward.
Gregg Doyel, a well-respected sportswriter, issued an apology after his initial interaction with the highly anticipated rookie of the league veered off course.
Doyel expressed his distress at realizing his contribution to the problem. The apology was published in the Star.He admitted, “I made a mistake.”
During the press conference, Doyel started the conversation by making a heart gesture, similar to Taylor Swift, which Clark, the leading scorer in NCAA basketball history, often did after Hawkeyes games.
Doyel introduced himself to Clark and made the gesture as she looked on attentively.
Clark responded, “Do you like that?”
Doyel replied, “I like that you're here.” hereClark mentioned that she does the gesture with her family after every game.
Doyel replied, “Well, start doing it to me, and we'll get along just fine.”
The criticism quickly spread online.
The backlash came swiftly on the internet.
Doyel, a former writer for CBS Sports, reflected in his apology on how his open and candid style has caused trouble in the past.
He acknowledged that the situation was highly significant in a certain way. me He said, “I'm somewhat known locally for having awkward conversations before asking bold, personal questions. I have done this over the years with various athletes, all of whom are male. wroteHe continued, “I need to be more mindful of my approach when speaking to people, not just athletes.
He also mentioned that he needs to be more conscious of his communication with people, not just athletes.
Doyel emphasized the importance of treating male and female athletes equally, including in terms of media coverage, respect, and compensation. He also admitted to acting insensitively in this situation. that He acknowledged his own behavior, stating, “I became the subject of a story about another insensitive man, which went viral on social media, and I chose to write the story about myself.
Doyel went through a process of denial and anger after the exchange went viral, but eventually recognized his mistake.
He recalled going through stages of denial and anger, and then realizing his error, particularly after a woman he deeply respected pointed out his inappropriate behavior towards a young woman like Caitlin.
He shared that he initially believed he was in the right, but eventually realized his ignorance about the situation, which led to his disappointment.
Doyel clarified that the gesture came from his desire to be clever in a hurry and he did not see the boundary.
“I now understand that what I said and how I said it was incorrect, incorrect, incorrect. I really mean it was just wrong. … Caitlin Clark, I'm deeply apologetic.”
Watch the complete conversation (through your own fingers) in the video clip above.
