Indianapolis Star columnist Gregg Doyel apologized on social media Wednesday night after an awkward and inappropriate interaction (4:18 mark) with WNBA top overall pick and new Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark.

The exchange came during a press conference and centered on the heart sign Clark will make at the end of games, which she directs toward her family.

There was quickly a backlash regarding Doyel's unprofessional behavior:

Whatever Doyel's intentions, he seemingly made a young woman feel uncomfortable and made himself the center of the story on a day that was about Clark.