NBA
Indiana Pacers Fans Want Indianapolis Star Columnist Gregg Doyel To Resign After Siakam Incident
Based in Canada, Gia is a Sports Casting contributor. She graduated from the University of Windsor with a Bachelor of Science, so she knows the make-up of a winning bet. Gia uses her analytical background to tell stories using the latest data and statistics. Her work has been sourced by Entrepreneur, Inquirer, and more. Gia is also interested in health, wellness, and yoga.
Get to know Gia Nguyen betterPublished30 May 2025
Indiana Pacers fans took to X on Thursday night and Friday to voice their displeasure with Indianapolis Star reporter Gregg Doyel, who was involved in another awkward interaction at the Pacers-Knicks press conference.
After the Pacers’ Game 5 loss versus the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, Siakam took questions from reporters when Doyel initiated a puzzling interaction.
The awkward back-and-forth quickly went viral on social media, with many fans labeling Doyel’s line of questioning as confrontational and unnecessary. The moment reminded basketball fans in Indiana of Doyel’s behavior in past interviews, including a viral exchange with Caitlin Clark in 2024 in which he had his media privileges revoked by the Indiana Fever.
After posting his most recent article on X, several Pacers fans began calling for Doyel to resign in the comment section.
All of Indy hates you! Resign and go away!
— Rocket City 🚀 Sports & Rec. (@BrianWilMadeIT) May 30, 2025
Other fans were ready for Doyel to call it quits altogether, demanding that retire from the media.
Shut up and retire
— Cranjis McBasketball 🇺🇦 🇵🇸 (@KawIsLaw) May 30, 2025
Several fans called Doyel creepy, possibly in reference to his previous awkward interaction with then-rookie Caitlin Clark. As of this writing, the Indianapolis Star has issued no punishment or formal statement in response to the incident, which has left some fans frustrated.
“Gregg Doyel still being employed is hilariously pathetic”, said basketball analyst Ben Pfeifer.
gregg doyel still being employed is hilariously pathetic but not shocking in the slightest https://t.co/Rk3GWLbBYt
— ben pfeifer (@bjpf_) May 30, 2025
Siakam, Doyel Engage In Awkward Interaction at Game 5 Postgame Press Conference
When asked what the Knicks did differently in Game 5, Siakam explained that the Knicks played harder than the Pacers, but Doyel proceeded to push the envelope, asking the former NBA champion how that would be possible, especially in a potential elimination game.
“They played harder than us, I think. You know, like loose balls, rebounds, all that. We have to be able to win that battle” Siakam answered.
“Can you make sense of it?” Doyle responded. “My point is, you are saying that you guys got out-fought?”
Doyel continued to press Siakam for an explanation, possibly fishing for him to make a mistake or throw his teammates under the bus.
“You good bro?” Siakam lamented. “You’re looking for something, I know. But, damn.”
“Why don’t you tell me how? That’s all I’m asking,” Doyel continued.
“Why about you tell me? Who is this guy? What’s your name bro?” Siakam asked.
Watch the entire interaction below and decide for yourself.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8URrvsmQqSA
Doyel Has A History Of Crossing The Line With Athletes
Of course, this isn’t the first time that Doyel has drawn the ire of Indiana basketball fans.
Last season, when speaking with Caitlin Clark during her introductory news conference, Doyel made the heart sign with his hands towards the Fever star and asked Clark to return the gesture at him. “OK, well start doing that to me and we’ll get along just fine,” Doyel said before proceeding with a basketball-related question.
this reporter is Greg Doyle…
the same guy who was was previously suspended by the Indy Star following a creepy interaction with Caitlin Clark and had his credentials revoked, preventing him from covering Indiana Fever games in person https://t.co/wVHAV8sJSh
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) May 30, 2025
Following widespread backlash, Doyel issued a public apology on X and penned a column in The Indianapolis Star acknowledging the misstep while vowing to “do better.” The Indianapolis Star eventually revoked his media credentials, preventing him from covering future Fever games in person.
Today in my uniquely oafish way, while welcoming @CaitlinClark22 to Indy, I formed my hands into her signature 🫶. My comment afterward was clumsy and awkward. I sincerely apologize. Please know my heart (literally and figuratively) was well-intentioned. I will do better.
— Gregg Doyel (@GreggDoyelStar) April 17, 2024
But, apparently, Doyel hasn’t learned from his mistakes. What he considers to be his quirky charm continues to come across as inappropriate and unprofessional.
