Gregg Doyel, the Indianapolis Star columnist previously suspended over a controversial exchange with WNBA sensation Caitlin Clark, has made a striking return to the Gainbridge Fieldhouse press box. Doyel had been absent from in-person coverage for nearly a year after an unsettling interaction during Clark’s introductory press conference drew widespread backlash and led to disciplinary action.
The incident in question involved Doyel mimicking Clark’s iconic heart gesture and responding suggestively when asked about it, prompting public discomfort and a two-week suspension. Since then, he appeared to have distanced himself from the Indiana Fever’s coverage—until this week, when he attended the team’s preseason opener against the Washington Mystics and hinted at an upcoming column via social media.
While Clark did not play in the game due to a precautionary leg injury, Doyel’s presence alone reignited online outrage. He preemptively disabled comments on his post, forcing critics to quote it in order to respond. Fans expressed disappointment and skepticism, questioning whether his reinstatement undermines accountability within sports journalism and reflects a broader issue of tolerance for misconduct.
Neither the Indiana Fever nor Doyel’s employer have publicly commented on his official status, but his open presence at the venue and live updates suggest his ban has been lifted. Despite public discomfort, the return appears to be quietly sanctioned, leaving many to question whether appropriate boundaries are being respected.
As debates intensify, the WNBA community remains divided—some demanding continued consequences, others advocating for second chances. Yet one thing is clear: Doyel’s reappearance has thrown fuel on a controversy far from extinguished.