An Indianapolis sports columnist recently found himself in an uncomfortable situation after making a heart symbol with his hands and subsequent comments directed towards new Indiana Fever player Caitlin Clark during her introductory press conference with the WNBA team.

Gregg Doyel, a columnist for the Indianapolis Star, made the heart symbol while addressing Clark, to which she responded, "You like that?" Doyel then replied, "I like that you’re here."

Clark, a former standout player for the Iowa Hawkeyes who broke NCAA scoring records, explained that she typically does the gesture with her family after games.

In response, Doyel said, "OK, well, start doing it to me and we’ll get along just fine," before proceeding to ask a question about Clark's decision to turn professional and enter the draft.

Following the incident, Doyel published a column online, expressing his remorse and acknowledging his role in the situation.

"I’m devastated to realize I’m part of the problem," he wrote.

Doyel admitted to having a history of engaging in awkward conversations with individuals before asking questions, particularly with sports figures such as Indianapolis Colts coaches and players from Purdue University and Indiana University.

Describing himself as "another insensitive man," Doyel acknowledged that his attempt to be "clever" and "welcoming" ended up offending Clark and her family.

"After going through denial, and then anger — I’m on the wrong side of this? Me??? — I now realize what I said and how I said it was wrong, wrong, wrong. I mean it was just wrong," Doyel reflected. "Caitlin Clark, I’m so sorry."

Doyel's apology signifies a recognition of the need for sensitivity and respect, particularly in interactions with athletes and individuals in the public eye.

As of late Wednesday night, NBC News was unable to reach Caitlin Clark or her representatives for comment.

Clark, aged 22, achieved significant milestones during her final season at the University of Iowa. In February, she surpassed the women’s NCAA all-time scoring record, and a month later, she broke the men’s record as well, culminating with 3,951 career points.

Her presence on the court also made a significant impact on viewership. The women’s NCAA championship game between the Hawkeyes and the South Carolina Gamecocks garnered more viewers than the men’s championship game for the first time. Although Iowa lost to South Carolina in the title game, Clark received recognition from Gamecocks coach Dawn Staley for her contributions to women's basketball.

Since then, Clark has made several high-profile media appearances, including on "YEPPOST" and "Saturday Night Live." Furthermore, her Indiana Fever jersey became the top-selling jersey ever for a draft pick, indicating the excitement surrounding her professional debut.