MELBOURNE, Australia, Tuesday January 5, 2016 – Big hitting West Indies cricketer Chris Gayle has been fined AUS$10,000 (US$7,200) for flirting with a female reporter as she was conducting a live television interview with him in Australia yesterday.
Gayle has come under fire for his comments to Mel McLaughlin of Network Ten, which included telling her “Don’t blush, baby” after suggesting the two go out for drinks, as she interviewed him during a Big Bash League T20 match in Hobart.
The video of the interview has gone viral and ignited discussion on social media. It also inspired #dontblushbaby has been trending on Twitter.
Many have described Gayle’s comments as sexist and inappropriate.
But the Melbourne Renagades, which Gayle is playing for in the Big Bash League, does not see it as a laughing matter.
At a press conference held earlier today, the franchise’s chief executive officer Stuart Coventry disclosed that Gayle had been slapped with the fine and the money would go to the McGrath Foundation, a charity set up by former Australian fast bowler Glenn McGrath in honour of his late wife, Jane, who died of breast cancer seven years ago.
“Chris’s comments were completely inappropriate and disrespectful and there is simply no place for these kind of comments at the Melbourne Renegades or the broader community across any sport,” Coventry said in a statement.
“The club would like to extend a formal apology to Mel McLaughlin. Mel is an outstanding sports presenter. We think of her very highly and the club and the players will ensure we work with her in a professional and respectful manner in the future.”
The West Indies opener appeared to make a joke, in a post on Twitter, about having to shell out the huge sum.
Gayle, speaking to reporters, said he was sorry McLaughlin was offended by the comments, adding that he never intended any disrespect. He contended that the issue had been blown out of proportion.
However, when pressed about the fact that he made McLaughlin uncomfortable, the cricketer went on the defensive before walking away.
Meantime, McLaughlin, who says she was disappointed and caught off guard by Gayle’s advances, accepts Gayle’s apology and just wants to put it behind her.