Sports columnist Gregg Doyel faced backlash recently after making comments to WNBA No. 1 overall draft pick Caitlin Clark. People are now curious to learn more about Doyel and the controversial remarks he made towards the basketball star.
Gregg Doyel, a sports columnist born in Hawaii and raised in Norman, Oklahoma, is well-known for his work at the Indy Star and as a sports writer for CBS Sports. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida in 1992 and has a background in amateur boxing, even fighting against UFC veteran Chris Lytle. Doyel is also a father to sons, Macon and Jackson.
During a media interaction on April 17, 2024, Caitlin Clark received the No. 1 overall draft pick in the WNBA Draft. Doyel made a heart-hands gesture towards Clark, which she often gives to her family. This led to a dialogue between the two where Doyel said, “I like that you’re here,” and asked Clark to start doing the gesture towards him as well. However, his comments were perceived as inappropriate and sexist by some, prompting backlash on social media.
In response to the criticism, Doyel issued a public apology via X, formerly Twitter, stating that his comment was clumsy and awkward. He expressed that his intentions were well-meaning but acknowledged that he could do better. He followed up with a more detailed apology in an op-ed on Indy Star, taking full accountability for his actions.
Caitlin Clark signed with the WNBA’s Indiana Fever on April 15, 2024, as the No. 1 overall draft pick. She inked a four-year contract with the team, projected to earn over $338,000 during her time with the Fever. Additionally, she is set to sign an eight-figure endorsement deal with Nike in the near future.