IndyStar sports columnist Gregg Doyel asks a question during a press conference Credit: The Indianapolis Star

Longtime sportswriter Jeff Pearlman thinks Gregg Doyel should have to face the music.

On Tuesday, longtime Indianapolis sportswriter Bob Kravitz reported that the Indianapolis Star had suspended Doyel for two weeks in response to his uncomfortable interaction with Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark during her introductory press conference last month.

Along with that, Kravitz reported that the columnist won’t be covering any Fever games in person this season but will be able to write columns while watching games remotely.

The suspension came after Doyel’s awkward interaction with Clark went viral, with many accusing Doyel of being creepy. Doyel addressed the situation in a column, referring to his actions as “clumsy and awkward.” That column didn’t receive a favorable response from many WNBA fans and media members either.

While many social media users applauded the move by the Indy Star, Pearlman was not among them. The former Sports Illustrated writer slammed the decision as “bulls***” and “cowardly.”

This is bullshit from the [Indianapolis Star]. Cowardly,” Pearlman wrote on X. “Back in the day, you’d actually MAKE your reporter go, face the music, face the backlash, deal with it in person. I really disagree with this approach.”

Pearlman hasn’t been shy about sharing his unvarnished opinions on TikTok and other social media channels lately. This is certainly no different.

UPDATE: Pearlman reversed course soon afterward, though it’s unclear what he means by saying it “was apparently a decision by the organization.” There is no indication that the Fever made this decision.

[Jeff Pearlman, Awful Announcing]

About Sean Keeley

Along with writing for Awful Announcing and The Comeback, Sean is the Editorial Strategy Director for Comeback Media. Previously, he created the Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician and wrote 'How To Grow An Orange: The Right Way to Brainwash Your Child Into Rooting for Syracuse.' He has also written non-Syracuse-related things for SB Nation, Curbed, and other outlets. He currently lives in Seattle where he is complaining about bagels. Send tips/comments/complaints to sean@thecomeback.com.