Reporter branded a ‘sexist pervert’ over Caitlin Clark’s awkward interaction faces MORE backlash after her groveling apology hits the wrong note from fans: ‘Nothing says ‘I’m sorry’ like us click on your column »

The sports reporter at the center of an embarrassing controversy during Caitlin Clark’s press conference is facing further backlash after writing an apology column to the basketball star.

Indy Star columnist Gregg Doyel went viral Wednesday after imitating the former Iowa star’s heart-hands gesture on his face, before saying, “Start doing it to me and we’ll get along great GOOD”.

Subsequently, Doyel received widespread criticism online, with Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy even calling him a “sexist pervert” and “nauseating” in a series of scathing tweets.

Doyel then responded with a tweet – and his own column – but has now faced more abuse online after his apology struck the wrong tone with fans.

About

Indy Star reporter Gregg Doyel was called a “sexist pervert” for his comments to the player.

Doyel wrote an apology column, but fans criticized him for trying to get clicks to his website.

Fans urged him to resign and criticized him for trying to generate clicks through his apology.

Another added: “The original tweet wasn’t enough, it had to be turned into an article to get clicks.” Resign. Please.’

Meanwhile, a user named “Doctor Disney”: wrote: “Stop it dude. Stop. Writing a column about hits after apologizing on Twitter doesn’t say much about your sincerity. “He said, ‘I know this column will probably get a lot of hits since everyone is angry at my actions.’ Stop.’

One basketball fan took offense to the apology itself, writing: “Gregg, with all due respect, your apology continues to miss a lot of the point and ‘it’ This is how I am” is not an excuse for anyone over the age of 5.’

In the column, Doyel admits he “made a mistake” and insists he is “known locally for having awkward conversations with people.”

He then adds that he was initially in denial and that he “did nothing wrong”, before realizing that he was “ignorant” and that he had “learned that I had to be more aware the way I talk to people.”

Doyel ends his column with another apology to Clark, saying, “I now realize what I said and how I said it was wrong, wrong, wrong.” I mean, it was just wrong. Caitlin Clark, I’m so sorry.

Doyel is a longtime reporter at the Star and told readers he was “notorious” for awkward interactions

The gesture Clark makes at the end of games is seen here, with the former Iowa star smiling.

Meanwhile, Portnoy was not alone in his initial fury over Doyel’s remarks, with several other prominent industry voices publicly disputing the journalist’s comments.

CBS Sports’ Katie Mox said: “What happened to Caitlin Clark today in her first press conference at Indy was truly disgusting.”

CBC Sports senior contributor Shireen Ahmed even suggested Doyel be stripped of his qualifications.

“Almost all of my colleagues and students in sports media and sports journalism are sharing this clip of Gregg Doyel and Caitlin Clark in disgust,” Ahmed wrote on X.

“We are rightly furious and tired. His accreditations should be revoked and offered to a journalist without rights who respects women.

Interest in Clark caused the Fever to completely change the trajectory of his franchise, similar to how LeBron James elevated the Cleveland Cavaliers during his two stints with the team.

And even if the Fever wanted Clark’s message of helping the team return to the playoffs to be a lasting one, his exchange with Doyel might unfortunately take precedence.

Clark was selected by the Indiana Fever with the first overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft.

Clark has already signed lucrative deals with companies like State Farm and Gatorade

This also isn’t the first controversy involving Clark since she was drafted Monday night, with fans also reacting furiously to her salary at the Indiana Fever.

While the male equivalent of the No. 1 overall pick – Victor Wembanyama – raked in $12,160,680 in his first NBA season, Clark will only earn $76,535 in his first year.

Even President Joe Biden weighed in on the news, demanding that WNBA players receive “their fair share.”

“Women in sport continue to push new boundaries and inspire us all. But right now we’re seeing that even if you’re the best, women aren’t getting their fair share,” Biden wrote in an article on X.

Clark’s performance on the basketball court during this year’s NCAA tournament mesmerized the nation, with the Iowa Hawkeyes’ games breaking viewership records.

For the first time ever, the NCAA women’s basketball championship attracted more viewers than the men’s game.

ESPN reported that 2.45 million people tuned in to watch the Indiana Fever take Clark as the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA draft on Monday, shattering the previous audience record by just over 601,000 people. .

Even President Biden weighed in on X and called for women to be ‘paid what they deserve’

Clark signs autographs for fans at the WNBA Draft in Brooklyn Monday night

But even though all eyes are on Clark, she will make less money in her first year of her WNBA contract than some NBA mascots.

Clark will earn $338,056 during his four years at Indiana.

She will sign a three-year contract with an option for a fourth year.

Clark would earn $76,535 in the first year. This rises to $78,066 in the second year and $85,873 in the third year. If she makes it past the fourth year, she will earn $97,582.