Sports columnist Gregg Doyel recently came under fire for his comments to WNBA No. 1 overall draft pick Caitlin Clark. Many are curious about Doyel’s background and the controversial remarks he made to the basketball star.
Gregg Doyel, a sports columnist, was born in Hawaii and raised in Norman, Oklahoma. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida in 1992. Doyel is known for his work at the Indy Star and is also a sports writer for CBS Sports. Before his journalism career, Doyel was an amateur boxer and even fought UFC veteran Chris Lytle. The journalist is a father to sons Macon and Jackson.
During the WNBA Draft on April 17, 2024, Caitlin Clark, the No. 1 overall pick, faced the media. Doyel made a heart-hands gesture that Clark often does with her family, to which she responded, “You like that?” Doyel replied, “I like that you’re here,” and suggested that she do the gesture to him in the future. This exchange sparked backlash on social media, with many calling Doyel’s comments inappropriate and creepy.
In response to the backlash, Doyel issued a public apology on X, formerly Twitter, admitting that his comments were clumsy and awkward. He expressed that his intentions were well-meaning and promised to do better. Doyel further addressed the issue in a lengthy op-ed in the Indy Star, taking accountability for his actions.
Caitlin Clark signed with the WNBA’s Indiana Fever on April 15, 2024, as the league’s top draft pick. She inked a four-year contract with the team, projected to earn over $338,000 during her tenure. Clark’s starting salary with the Fever is $76,535, and she is also set to sign an eight-figure endorsement deal with Nike.
