Reporter suspended over 'gross' interaction with star

UPDATED: American sports columnist Gregg Doyel has been suspended by the Indianapolis Star following his viral encounter with women’s basketball star Caitlin Clark.

According to Indianapolis sports columnist Bob Kravitz, Doyel has been suspended for two weeks and will not be eligible to attend any of Clark’s rookie games.

Doyel has been granted permission to report on Clark’s games, however, must watch them on TV.

The report did not specify if the suspension is paid or unpaid.

Clark’s introductory WNBA press conference has gone viral after the star’s uncomfortable encounter with a reporter.

The 22-year-old was taken first by the Indiana Fever in the WNBA Draft last month, with the college superstar expected to have a transformational impact on the future of women’s professional basketball.

Clark broke the record for the most career points by a college player, male or female, this season with the Iowa Hawkeyes, falling just short of winning an NCAA title.

During the press conference held on Wednesday, April 17, Clark was at the centre of an awkward question-and-answer with Doyel.