“There wasn’t anything at all meant to be disrespectful or offensive to Mel”
Image courtesy of: Zimbio
West Indies opener Chris Gayle has apologised and been fined $10,000 after he asked a female journalist out for a drink during a live television interview during a Big Bash League (BBL) game.
Gayle, who is playing for the Melbourne Renegades, had just finished scoring a 15-ball 41 against the Hobart Hurricanes when he spoke to Channel 10 reporter Mel McLaughlin, during which he asked her out for a drink and told her “don’t blush, baby”.
However, after being heavily criticised for his comments, Gayle apologised for the remarks he made.
“A lot of things have flared up from a simple comment, a joke, a simple joke on air and it seemed to went out of proportion,” Gayle said. “There wasn’t anything at all meant to be disrespectful or offensive to Mel and if she felt that way, I’m really sorry for that.
“There wasn’t any harm meant in that particular way to any particular person like that.
“There wasn’t any harm done, I’ll leave it at that. I’m sorry for that, we’ll have to move on.”
Renegades CEO Stuart Coventry was not impressed with Gayle’s comments, calling them “inappropriate and disrespectful”.
“Chris’ comments were completely inappropriate and disrespectful. There is simply no place for these type of comments at the Melbourne Renegades,” he said in a statement published on the franchise’s official website. “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 players will ensure we work with her in a professional and respectful manner in future.
“We’ve had several discussions with Chris over the past day and he has acknowledged that his comments were out of line. We would also like to formally apologise to our members, supporters and the wider public for offence caused.
“The club is based on values of respect towards every member of the community.
“As a result of his comments, the Renegades have fined Chris $10,000 for inappropriate conduct. The club will subsequently donate this amount to the McGrath Foundation in recognition of Jane McGrath day today.”