Apology issued by IndyStar columnist to Caitlin Clark for 'awkward' gesture and comments

April 18, 2024, 5:30 p.m. Sports

IndyStar columnist, Gregg Doyel, has issued an apology to University of Iowa basketball player Caitlin Clark for what he described as an 'awkward' gesture and comments made during a recent press conference. The incident occurred after Clark's impressive performance in a game against Ohio State, where she scored a career-high 39 points.

During the post-game press conference, Doyel made a comment about Clark's appearance, saying she looked like a 'beauty pageant contestant' instead of a basketball player. He then proceeded to extend his hand for a handshake, but Clark opted for a fist bump instead. Doyel's gesture was seen as patronizing and demeaning by some observers, leading to backlash on social media.

In response to the criticism, Doyel took to Twitter to issue an apology to Clark. He acknowledged that his comments and gesture were inappropriate and expressed regret for any offense caused. Doyel emphasized his respect for Clark's talent and achievements on the basketball court, stating that he was impressed by her performance that evening.

Clark, who is a rising star in women's college basketball, has been garnering attention for her outstanding skills and leadership on the court. She has been praised for her scoring ability, court vision, and competitive spirit, drawing comparisons to basketball greats like Stephen Curry and Sue Bird. Clark's performance against Ohio State further solidified her status as one of the top young talents in the sport.

The incident with Doyel highlights the challenges that female athletes often face in terms of respect and recognition in the media. While male athletes are typically praised for their accomplishments, female athletes can sometimes be subjected to sexist remarks or dismissive attitudes. Clark's response to Doyel's comments, choosing to fist bump instead of shake his hand, exemplified her strength and self-assurance in the face of adversity.

In his apology, Doyel acknowledged the need to be more mindful of his words and actions when interacting with athletes, particularly female athletes. He recognized the importance of fostering a respectful and supportive environment for all athletes, regardless of gender. Doyel's willingness to take responsibility for his mistake and apologize publicly demonstrates a commitment to learning from the incident and improving his conduct in the future.

Moving forward, it is crucial for media members and sports commentators to treat female athletes with the same level of professionalism and respect as their male counterparts. Female athletes like Caitlin Clark deserve to be celebrated for their talent, hard work, and dedication to their sport. By acknowledging and addressing instances of sexism and bias in sports coverage, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable environment for all athletes.