SUMMARY
- Caitlin Clark recently signed for the Indiana Fever after a historic season with the Iowa Hawkeyes.
- In her first press conference for the Fever, Clark had to endure an awkward interaction with a reporter.
Caitlin Clark has just signed for the Indiana Fever in the WNBA. The Iowa Hawkeyes icon is undoubtedly the biggest talent in basketball right now and it is with good reason. Clark is now the leading scorer in NCAA history and she has attracted some crazy viewership numbers as well. The women’s college basketball scene has even eclipsed the men’s college basketball viewership numbers for the first time.
Recently, the superstar attended the Indiana Fever’s press conference. She was all set to get her WNBA career started, until an awkward interaction with a reporter. The player was left visibly uncomfortable and did not utter a word at the end.
The reporter made a heart sign at the start of their interaction, something that Clark often does. Clark asked if he liked it, and that was when he said they would “Get along just fine” if she did the celebration for him as well.
Reporter: 🫶
Caitlin Clark: “You like that?”
Reporter: “I like that you’re here.”
Caitlin: “Yeah, I do that at my family after every game.”
Reporter: “Start doing it to me and we’ll get along just fine.”
Caitlin: 😳
(via @IndianaFever / YT)pic.twitter.com/BBjU881K7a
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 17, 2024
The incident left the basketball world furious, as fans questioned the reporter’s decisions. For those who don’t know, the reporter is Gregg Doyel who writes for the IndyStar.
He took to the site after the press conference and apologized profusely for the controversy. He wrote, “I’m devastated to realize I’m part of the problem. I screwed up Wednesday during my first interaction with No. 1 overall draft pick Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever. I was, convinced I was harmless and right, when a woman I deeply respect told me, ‘But Caitlin Clark is a young woman, and you don’t talk to a young woman the same as you would a young man.'”
“Caitlin Clark, I’m so sorry,” he added. Although it may not be enough for some, it is a relief to see that Doyel has realized his mistake and regrets it.
Caitlin Clark signs huge 8-figure deal with Nike
Clark’s impact on basketball cannot be questioned even slightly. She is one of the greatest players on the planet now, and it is just wild to realize that she hasn’t even played a minute in the WNBA. Apart from the magic she has displayed on the court, fans are also in awe of the way she carries herself with utmost discipline and resilience. Ultimately, that is what could shape a player’s career and help them win countless accolades.
BREAKING: Caitlin Clark is signing a signature shoe deal with Nike, per @ShamsCharania.
Deal is worth over $10M 🤯 pic.twitter.com/znrQmSTWWV
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) April 18, 2024
The young sensation’s hard work recently paid off as well, as she signed a new contract with Nike. The company has managed to secure Clark’s signature on the dotted line, and it looks like it has come at a cost. Reports claim that Clark could surely earn a yearly compensation from Nike that is in the 8-figure range. This deal is just the start of something special for her, as it sure looks like only sky is the limit for a player like Clark.
Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton welcomes Caitlin Clark to Indiana
Indiana Pacers are the NBA team for the city. Tyrese Haliburton has proven to be the face of the franchise, and he recently made his way to the WNBA Draft to welcome Clark. It is not every day we see a player go out of his way to welcome a WNBA player to his franchise and city, but it’s also not surprising considering Clark’s prodigal talent.
Caitlin Clark talked about what she loves about Tyrese Haliburton’s game and said she’ll be cheering the squad on in the playoffs 🔥
“I watch his game and it’s just incredible what he can do.” pic.twitter.com/H7Tc4FGG58
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) April 17, 2024
The Indiana duo has some history as well. For those who don’t know, Haliburton played for the Iowa State Cyclones. The Iowa Hawkeyes and Cyclones are known to be arch-rivals and it isn’t any different between Clark and Haliburton as well.
The new WNBA star even trolled the Pacers guard and joked, “Obviously, [Haliburton] played for a very terrible team in college.” But she also went on to appreciate Haliburton’s passing ability, something that has left NBA fans in awe as well. She also applauded Haliburton after he was included in Team USA’s roster for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
With that said Indiana residents will be on cloud nine, hosting some of the biggest basketball talents in the world. It will be interesting to see how the pair perform for their respective teams.