I’m devastated to realize I contributed to the problem. During my first interaction with No. 1 overall draft pick Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever, I screwed up.

What happened was very much in line with my usual awkward conversational style. I have a reputation locally for having these types of interactions before asking blunt questions. I’ve done it for years with male athletes like Colts coaches Chuck Pagano, Frank Reich, and Shane Steichen, as well as Purdue players Carsen Edwards and Zach Edey, and IU’s Romeo Langford.

But notice something about all those names? They’re all men.

While male and female athletes should be treated equally in terms of coverage, respect, compensation, and more, I’ve come to realize that my approach to talking to people, not just athletes, needs to be more mindful. I only recognized this after my interaction with Clark went viral, and I went through the initial stages of grief during discussions with those closest to me.

Initially, I denied any wrongdoing, convinced I was harmless and right. But then came the realization that I was on the wrong side of the argument due to ignorance. I didn’t see the line until I crossed it in my attempt to be clever and welcoming.

In my haste, I offended Clark and her family.

After moving past denial and anger, I now recognize that what I said and how I said it was just plain wrong.

Caitlin Clark, I’m so sorry.