See the Moment That Led a Cricket Player to Be Fined for Comments Considered 'Sexist'
Chris Gayle was fined AU$10,000 for his comments to a TV sports presenter.
— -- A cricketer in Australia was fined AU$10,000 (about US$7,000) following remarks considered inappropriate made to a reporter, according to a statement from the player's club.
Chris Gayle, a West Indies professional player with the Melbourne Renegades, was speaking to Mel McLaughlin, a sports presenter for Network Ten, when he said: "To see your eyes for the first time is nice. Hopefully we can have a drink afterwards. Don't blush, baby."
There was a strong reaction to Gayle's comments, some dismissing them while others arguing the remark was sexist. On social media, thousands of reactions were followed by the hashtag #dontblushbaby.
"Chris’ comments were completely inappropriate and disrespectful," Melbourne Renegades CEO Stuart Coventry said in a written 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 players will ensure we work with her in a professional and respectful manner in future," Coventry added.
The incident happened after Monday's match against the Hobart Hurricanes on Network Ten.
Gayle apologized on Tuesday, telling reporters: "There wasn't anything meant to be disrespectful or offensive to Mel. If she felt that way, I'm really sorry for that," and adding: "It was a simple joke. The game was going on. Entertainment, things get out of proportion but these things happen."
The money from the fine will be donated to the McGrath Foundation, a breast cancer charity.
