Danny Avdia's landing in Israel after a record season with the Washington Wizards/photo: Niv Aharonson. Video editing: Shiran Golan
The Caitlin Clarke madness continues. After one of the biggest college stars ever was selected first in the WNBA draft, she held a press conference tonight (between Wednesday and Thursday) which gave rise to a very unpleasant moment.
Journalist Greg Doyle of the "Indianapolis Star" made a heart sign with his fingers towards Clark, just like she does to her family during games.
"you like it?" Clark asked.
"I love that you're here," Doyle replied.
"Yeah, I do it for my family every game," Clark said.
"Start doing it to me and we'll be fine," said Doyle.
Needless to say, the American media did not remain indifferent to these exchanges. "We are angry and rightfully so," tweeted journalist Shirin Ahmed. "You should take away his journalist certificate and give it to someone who respects women. Ignorance destroys integrity."
Journalist Chris Williamson agreed and tweeted: "I will completely understand if they take away Doyle's entry card to the games, for this disgusting exchange." His colleague Peter Edmiston added: "It's just disgusting of Doyle. Try to be better, and not a weird pervert."
It should be noted that Doyle is a veteran and award-winning journalist, with close to 100,000 followers on X (formerly Twitter). "Today, in my typical awkward way, I made a heart sign at the reception for Caitlin Clarke," he tweeted. "My reaction afterwards was awkward. I apologize. My heart (literally and figuratively) is in the right place. I promise to improve." But not everyone liked this apology. ESPN's Peggy Kosinki tweeted him back: "Call her. Admit that what you did was unprofessional in every sense, and not 'awkward.' You're a seasoned journalist, not a guy on a first date."
Doyle then published an extensive column in the Indianapolis Star, in which he admitted: "It pains me to realize that I'm part of the problem. I was wrong. I've had awkward interactions with a bunch of athletes over the years, that's me, but they're all men. At first I thought I didn't do anything wrong .I tried to say that's how I talk to everyone. But then I didn't see the line until I crossed it. I'm so, so sorry."
Last night, the United States was in awe of the publication of the salary that Clark will receive in her first four years in the WNBA, as a superstar - only $338,000, including $76,000 next season. According to "The Athletic", she is expected to receive her big money from "Nike", which offered her a sponsorship agreement in an amount estimated at over 10 million dollars.