sport news Reporter labeled a 'sexist pervert' over awkward Caitlin Clark interaction ... trends now
The sports reporter at the center of an awkward Caitlin Clark press conference controversy is facing yet more backlash after writing a column of apology to the basketball star.
Indy Star columnist Gregg Doyel went viral on Wednesday after imitating the former Iowa star's heart-hands gesture to her face, before saying: 'Start doing it to me and we'll get along just fine'.
In the aftermath, Doyel copped plenty of criticism online, with Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy even labeling him a 'sexist pervert' and 'nauseating' in a series of scathing tweets.
Doyel then responded with a tweet - and column - of his own, but has now copped more abuse online after his apology struck the wrong tone with fans.
Taking to X, one basketball fan wrote: 'Nothing says, "I'm sorry," like making us click on your column so you can get clicks.'
Caitlin Clark was at the center of an odd interaction at her first Indiana press conference
Indy Star reporter Gregg Doyel was labeled a 'sexist pervert' for his comments to the player
Doyel wrote a column of apology, but fans hit out at him for trying to get clicks to his website
Fans urged him to resign and slammed him for trying to generate clicks out of his apology
Another added: 'The original tweet wasn’t enough you had to turn it into an article to get clicks. Just resign. Please.'
Meanwhile, a user by the name of 'Doctor Disney': wrote: 'Just stop, man. Stop. Writing a column for hits after issuing an apology on Twitter doesn’t say much about your sincerity. 'It says, “I know this column will probably get lots of hits since everyone is angry at my actions.” Stop.'
One basketball fan took umbrage with the apology itself, writing: 'Gregg, all due respect, your apology continues to miss a big part of the point and "that's just the way I am" is not an excuse for anyone above the age of 5 years old.'
In the column, Doyel admits he 'screwed up' and insists he is 'known locally for having awkward conversations with people'.
He then adds that he was initially in denial and 'didn't do anything wrong', before realizing that he was 'ignorant' and has 'learned that I need to be more aware about how I talk to people'.
Doyel ends his column with a further apology to Clark, stating: '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 long-time reporter at the Star and told readers he is 'known' for awkward
