Gayle apologises for interview indiscretion, faces sanctions

The Melbourne Renegades sanctioned a 10,000 USD fine for opener’s comments and added that the money from Gayle’s fine will be donated to the McGrath Foundation in recognition of Jane McGrath Day at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). Since the sanction carries with it no match ban, Gayle will be able to feature in the Renegades’ next game against the Melbourne Stars.

“Chris’s comments were completely inappropriate and disrespectful. There is simply no place for these type of comments at the Melbourne Renegades,” Stuart Coventry, Renegades” CEO 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 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.”

On air, Gayle said he was happy to be interviewed by McLaughlin, adding “just to see your eyes for the first time”. So hopefully we can win this game and we can have a drink after,” he said.

The already inappropriate gesture escalated after he added: “Don’t blush baby,” prompting McLaughlin to shake her head and reply, “I’m not blushing.”

“Sorry,” he added, breaking into a big laugh.

Cricket Australia and Big Bash League officials did not see a funny side and condemned Gayle. “I heard Chris’s comments and they’re disrespectful and simply inappropriate,” Anthony Everard. the BBL boss, said in a statement late on Monday. “There’s just no place in the BBL or — for that matter, cricket anywhere — for that sort of behaviour.”

James Sutherland, Cricket Australia’s chief, offered support for McLaughlin saying that no one should have to face such comments, which were “completely out of line” and “inappropriate for the workplace”.

Speaking on Jane McGrath Day at the Sydney Cricket Ground which during day three of a Sydney Test is traditionally called Ladies’ Day, he left open the question of Gayle facing punishment.

“I don’t think at the end of all this Chris will be under any illusions as to what we think of it. I’m not ruling out sanctions,” he added, saying Gayle was not in a “night club” and his behaviour was “not cool”.

“We have to work through and take advice from relevant people as to what the right approach is going to be, but it’s too early to say given that this happened late last night.”

The opener was even more apologetic on Tuesday morning, but tried to brush it off as a joke blown out of proportion. “There wasn’t anything meant to be disrespectful or offensive to Mel,” Gayle told reporters. “If she felt that way, I’m really sorry for that. There wasn’t any harm meant in that particular way… It was a simple joke. The game was going on. Entertainment, things get out of proportion, but these things happen… We have to move on. Simple.”

Out of proportion or not, Gayle now faces the ire of scribes across the world for what apparently was a “simple joke”.