OutKick's Dan Dakich Calls for Firing of Columnist Gregg Doyel After Controversial Interactions with Caitlin Clark

OutKick host Dan Dakich has expressed outrage over the suspension of Indianapolis Star columnist Gregg Doyel for inappropriate interactions with Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark and has called for his firing. Dakich questioned what other actions would be required for Doyel to lose his job, given the severity of his behavior.

OutKick host Dan Dakich has joined the chorus of criticism against Indianapolis Star columnist Gregg Doyel following his bizarre and unprofessional interactions with Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark. Doyel, who has since been removed from covering Fever games for the rest of the season, made a heart symbol with his hands for Clark at her welcoming press conference and made inappropriate comments, including suggesting she start making the gesture to him.

Dakich, a former college basketball coach and current radio host, expressed his disgust on his show "Don't @ Me," wondering what more Doyel would have to do to warrant being fired. He praised Clark for handling the situation with grace, but questioned the newspaper's response.

"He's so creepy, you can't have him around a women's basketball team, yet that's not enough to be fired," Dakich said. "What's enough to be fired? If that ain't enough to be fired, you tell me what is enough to be fired. That's where we're at here in Indy."

Dakich emphasized that the issue extended beyond Doyel's "antics" and highlighted the broader question of why a male reporter would feel comfortable speaking inappropriately to a female athlete. He pointed out that other reporters present at the press conference laughed along, raising concerns about a culture that tolerates such behavior.

"What makes Doyel and the others bring that into the room?" Dakich asked. "That is the bigger issue. And it ain't going away."

Doyel has been criticized on social media and by veteran sports writer Bob Kravitz, who reported that the columnist received a two-week suspension. The Indianapolis Star has confirmed that Doyel will not be covering Fever games for the remainder of the season, and Doyel has apologized for his actions.

"Today in my uniquely oafish way, while welcoming @CaitlinClark22 to Indy, I formed my hands into her signature (hand heart emoji)," he wrote on Twitter. "My comment afterward was clumsy and awkward. I sincerely apologize. Please know my heart (literally and figuratively) was well-intentioned. I will do better."

Despite Doyel's apology, Dakich maintains that his behavior warrants more severe consequences. He questioned why Doyel was allowed to continue covering the Colts after his suspension. "He's on his way back to doing his job?" Dakich asked. "What kind of message does that send?"

The incident has brought attention to the importance of respecting boundaries and treating female athletes with the same level of professionalism as male athletes. Dakich's call for Doyel's firing reflects the growing intolerance for inappropriate behavior in sports journalism.