NBA
Who Is Gregg Doyel? Indy Star Journalist at Center of Pascal Siakam and Caitlin Clark Controversies
David Evans is an experienced sports journalist with over 15 years in the field. He is known for his reliable and insightful commentary, which has been featured on numerous top sports betting platforms. David specializes in North Carolina basketball, college football, the NFL, soccer, and golf, offering deep knowledge and straightforward analysis in his articles. Outside of work, David stays active with regular gym workouts and enjoys relaxing at home with his cat. With a solid blend of experience and ion, David is a well-respected name in sports journalism, consistently providing valuable and informative content to his readers.
Get to know David Evans betterPublished30 May 2025
Gregg Doyel, a columnist for the Indianapolis Star, is making headlines again—this time for a tense postgame exchange with Pacers forward Pascal Siakam. It’s not the first time he’s come off weird or combative, especially when interacting with high-profile athletes. Let’s look at the Siakam moment, then revisit another recent controversy involving Caitlin Clark.
What Happened Between Gregg Doyel and Pascal Siakam?
@nypostsports Star Pacers forward Pascal Siakam and Indianapolis Star columnist Gregg Doyel got into a heated back-and-forth exchange. Link in bio.
♬ original sound – New York Post Sports – New York Post Sports
After the Pacers’ loss to the Knicks in Game 5 of the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals, Doyel questioned Pascal Siakam about the team’s effort. The full transcript tells you everything you need to know about the tone:
Doyel: “You said they played harder than you guys. You didn’t fight them hard enough. How is that possible?”
Siakam: “What do you mean?”
Doyel: “How is it possible to not fight hard enough in Game 5?”
Siakam: “What are you talking about? They played harder than us. It’s OK. We played hard, but they played harder. What’s your point? I don’t get it.”
Doyel: “My point is you’re saying you guys got out-fought…”
Siakam: “That happens in a game though. That’s basketball.”
Doyel: “In Game 5 of the NBA Playoffs?”
Siakam: “You good? You good, bro? You’re looking for something I know, but damn. No, no, but I’m telling you though. I told you. What else you want me to tell you?”
Doyel: “I want you to tell me how. That’s all I’m asking.”
Siakam: “What about you tell me?”
Doyel: “Oh, oh, oh… I will.”
Siakam: “So go ahead.”
Doyel: “You can read about it.”
Siakam: “Who is this guy? What’s your name, bro?”
Team staffer: “Gregg Doyel, Indy Star.”
Siakam: “Oh.”
This wasn’t some hard-hitting question—it came off as bait. And it’s not the first time Doyel’s rubbed athletes the wrong way.
What Did Gregg Doyel Say to Caitlin Clark?
In April 2024, during Caitlin Clark’s introductory Indiana Fever, Doyel made things awkward fast. He flashed her signature heart-hand gesture and said, “Start doing it to me and we’ll get along just fine.”
Clark gave him a blank look. It was uncomfortable. The internet pounced on how creepy the moment was, and it blew up. Doyel apologized, called it clumsy, and was suspended for two weeks. The Indy Star also barred him from covering the Fever in person for the rest of the season.
What’s the Deal With Gregg Doyel?
Doyel has been in the sports media business a long time, but these two recent incidents show a pattern of awkward, off-putting behavior. He isn’t afraid to confront athletes, but it often comes off like he’s doing it for attention, not journalism. The way he handled both the Siakam and Clark moments shows poor social awareness at best.
And yet, he keeps getting credentialed. The real question might not be “Who is Gregg Doyel?”—but rather, “Why is Gregg Doyel still doing this?”
