- A reporter imitated Clark’s heart-shaped hand gesture to end games.
- Reaction to the exchange has called the reporter creepy and classless.
- DailyMail.com provides the latest international sports news.
A reporter has apologized after his “clumsy and awkward” comments to Caitlin Clark caused a moment of embarrassment at the WNBA star’s introductory news conference in Indiana.
On Wednesday, Clark endured an awkward exchange with Gregg Doyel after he imitated the celebratory hand gesture Clark gives her family after every game, where she puts her hands in a heart shape.
‘I like that you are here. “I like that you’re here,” the reporter said, to which Clark responded, “I do that with my family after every game.” Doyel went on to say, ‘Okay. Well, listen, start doing it to me and we’ll get along great.’ , before asking your question.
“Today, in my uniquely clumsy way, while welcoming @CaitlinClark22 to Indy, I formed her signature with my hands,” the reporter. wrote in X later on Wednesday.
‘My subsequent comment was clumsy and awkward. I sincerely apologize. Please know that my heart (literally and figuratively) meant well. I will do it better.’
Clark seemed surprised by the exchange with a reporter during Wednesday’s news conference.
The gesture Clark makes at the end of games is seen here, with the former Iowa star smiling
Clark, taken aback by the reporter’s gesture and trying to make a good first impression with her new team, was friendly but clearly not amused and said, ‘Do you like that?’ her upon seeing her gesture.
Clark didn’t know what to make of the final comment with a shocked expression on his face and continued with the press conference.
The reporter, Gregg Doyel of the Indianapolis Star, has been criticized online for the interaction, with some calling for the Fever to revoke his credentials over the exchange.
The interest in Clark has given the Indiana Fever the opportunity to completely change the trajectory of their franchise, similar to how LeBron James elevated the Cleveland Cavaliers during his two stints with the team.
And while the Fever wanted Clark’s message of helping the team return to the postseason to be the lasting message, his exchange with Doyel could unfortunately prevail.