Reporter apologizes to Caitlin Clark for cringe moment during Indiana Fever star's introductory press conference: 'My comment was clumsy and awkward'

A journalist has apologized after his 'clumsy and awkward' comments to Caitlin Clark caused a cringe-worthy moment at the WNBA star's introductory press conference in Indiana.

On Wednesday, Clark endured an awkward exchange with Gregg Doyel after he imitated the celebratory hand gesture Clark gives to her family after every game, where she puts her hands in the shape of a heart. 

'I like that you're here. I like that you're here,' the reporter said, to which Clark responded: 'I do that at my family after every game.' Doyel went on to say: 'OK. Well listen, start doing it to me and we'll get along just fine,' before asking his question.

'Today in my uniquely oafish way, while welcoming @CaitlinClark22 to Indy, I formed my hands into her signature,' the reporter wrote on X later on Wednesday. 

'My comment afterward was clumsy and awkward. I sincerely apologize. Please know my heart (literally and figuratively) was well-intentioned. I will do better.'

Clark looked shocked at the exchange with a reporter during Wednesday's press conference

The gesture Clark does at the end of games is seen here, with the former Iowa star smiling

Clark, bewildered by the reporter's gesture and trying to make a good first impression with her new team, was nice but clearly not amused, saying 'you like that?' upon seeing the gesture. 

Clark did not know what to make of the final comment with a shocked look on her face and continued on with the press conference. 

The reporter, Gregg Doyel of the Indianapolis Star, has been blasted online for the interaction, with some calling for the Fever to revoke his credentials over the exchange. 

Interest in Clark has given the Indiana Fever to completely change the trajectory of their franchise, similarly 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 get back to the postseason as the lasting message, her exchange with Doyel might unfortunately prevail.