An Indiana reporter took to social media to apologize for what many are calling a cringeworthy moment Wednesday during Caitlin Clark’s introductory press conference with the WNBA’s Indiana Fire.

The Indy Star’s Gregg Doyel, before asking a question, made a heart-hand gesture to the 22-year-old Clark, who often forms a heart with her hands as a sign to her family before each game.

“Real quick,” he said made the gesture. “Let me do this.”

“You like that?” Clark replied.

“I like that you’re here,” Doyel said. “I like that you’re here.”

“Yeah,” Clark responded. “I do that at my family after every game. So, it’s pretty cool.”

If that wasn’t weird enough, Doyel then added, “OK, well, let’s start doing it to me, and we’ll get along just fine.”

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Later in the day, Doyel took to “X,” the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, to apologize.

“Today in my uniquely oafish way, while welcoming Caitlin Clark to Indy, I formed my hands into her signature,” he posted. “My comment afterward was clumsy and awkward. I sincerely apologize. Please know my heart (literally and figuratively) was well-intentioned. I will do better.”

The video of the encounter went viral, and the response was fast and furious.

During the press conference, the former Iowa star and WNBA’s No. 1 overall draft pick discussed the impact a new television deal could have around the league. Clark outlined her goal of helping the Indiana Fever end a seven-year playoff drought, talked about being “terrified” of her Saturday Night Live appearance, even teased Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton about attending her rival school, Iowa State.

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.