Dave Portnoy joins 'furious' backlash after Caitlin Clark is caught in 'gross' exchange with 'sexist pervert' during Indiana Fever star's press conference

Dave Portnoy joined fans and media members in reacting negatively towards a reporter whose comments led to an awkward interaction with Caitlin Clark in her introductory press conference in Indianapolis. 

After getting selected by the Indiana Fever with the first overall pick in the WNBA Draft, the former Iowa star faced the Indianapolis media on Wednesday. During the presser, Gregg Doyel of Indy Star Sports imitated Clark's heart-hands gesture as the situation quickly became cringe-worthy. 

Following the incident, the Barstool Sports chief took to X and urged the publication to take action. 

'Caitlin Clark's Indiana Fever Career Begins With Gregg Doyel Being A sexiest pervert at Introductory Press Conference,' Portnoy wrote with a link to Barstool's story about the exchange. '@IndyStarSports do something about this pervert.'

'To clarify I meant to call Gregg Doyle a sexist pervert. Which he is based on his nauseating actions today,' Portnoy wrote in a repost of his tweet. 

The Fever star endured an awkward exchange with Doyel after he imitated the celebratory heart-hands gesture Clark gives to her family after every game.

'I like that you're here. I like that you're here,' Doyel said, to which Clark responded: 'I do that at my family after every game.' Doyel went on to say: 'OK. Well listen, start doing it to me and we'll get along just fine,' before asking his question.

Later on Wednesday, Doyel apologized for his actions after clips of their exchange went viral.  

'Today in my uniquely oafish way, while welcoming @CaitlinClark22 to Indy, I formed my hands into her signature,' he wrote on X. 

'My comment afterward was clumsy and awkward. I sincerely apologize. Please know my heart (literally and figuratively) was well-intentioned. I will do better.'

Clark, bewildered by the reporter's gesture and trying to make a good first impression with her new team, was nice but clearly not amused, saying 'you like that?' upon seeing the gesture. 

Clark did not know what to make of the final comment with a shocked look on her face and continued on with the press conference. 

Doyel has been blasted online for the interaction, with some calling for the Fever to revoke his credentials over the exchange. 

Interest in Clark has given the Fever to completely change the trajectory of their franchise, similarly to how LeBron James elevated the Cleveland Cavaliers during his two stints with the team. 

And while the Fever wanted Clark's message of helping the team get back to the postseason as the lasting message, her exchange with Doyel might unfortunately prevail.