“Nothing wrong with Gregg Doyel’s line of questioning”: Jason Whitlock defends controversial journalist after fiery Pascal Siakam encounter

Pascal Siakam and the Indiana Pacers lost Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals 111-94 to the New York Knicks on the road on Thursday night. After the game, Siakam’s interaction with Indianapolis Star columnist Gregg Doyel caught fans’ attention. Sports media personality Jason Whitlock defended Doyel’s line of questioning.

The Pacers had a poor outing in Game 5. The All-Star forward took exception to Doyel when he asked how it was possible that Indiana could get out-played by the Knicks. Siakam gave a curt answer, confused at what Doyel was getting at with his question.

Whitlock offered his thoughts on the video that made the rounds on social media on Thursday night. He took no issue with Doyel’s question or Siakam’s response to it.

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"There's nothing wrong with Gregg Doyel's line of questioning," Whitlock said. "Doyel is a weirdo and annoying. I'm no fan. But his questions here are not remotely out of bounds. Neither is Siakam's response. This is what journalism used to sound like."

Whitlock was one of the few who defended Doyel. Fans on social media voiced their opinion, speaking poorly of the Indianapolis Star writer for the kinds of questions he asks during press conferences. Doyel has a history of making players uncomfortable during media availability.

Gregg Doyel's interaction with Caitlin Clark had her and fans confused

During the 2024 WNBA season, Doyel was suspended by the Indianapolis Star from attending any more Indiana Fever games or press conferences after an awkward interaction with Caitlin Clark. According to reports from the New York Post, Doyel made a heart gesture towards Clark, who struggled to respond, triggering an off-putting moment between the two.

"I do that at my family after every game, so, pretty cool," Clark said when Doyel made his gesture.

"Start doing it to me and we'll get along just fine," Doyel responded.

Fans referenced that interaction when talking about what Doyel asked Siakam after Game 5. The columnist's rough moments in press conferences have formed a reputation around him that athletes in Indiana have deal with for years.

Doyel has not been suspended from covering the team following what happened. The Pacers faced tough questions from the media as they head back to Indiana for Game 6 on Saturday night. They are one win away from getting back to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2000, and hope to clinch their spot in the championship round in front of their home fans.

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Zachary Howell

Zachary Howell is an NBA and WNBA journalist at Sportskeeda with a degree in Broadcast and Digital Journalism from Syracuse University and over a year of experience in the field.

Being introduced to the digital side of content inspired Zachary to become a writer, and his love of basketball made this an obvious transition.

His favorite team is the OKC Thunder, and Zachary started following them in 2011 when they were on the rise with Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden. His favorite basketball players from the past are Tim Duncan, Michael Jordan and Shaquille O'Neal. Those three came to define their eras of basketball and were dominant without beating their chests too much. Zachary is a big fan of quiet greatness and these three players are good embodiments of that.

When not writing or watching sports, Zachary enjoys reading and exercising, as well as gaming. He loves to be outside and spend time with friends and family, including his three dogs.

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