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Chris Gayle fined $10,000 for 'inappropriate' comments to female TV reporter

Melbourne, Jan 5: West Indies' explosive batsman Chris Gayle has been fined Australian dollars 10,000 for "inappropriate" and "disrespectful" comments to a female TV reporter during a Big Bash League Twenty20 match on Monday (January 4).

Left-handed Gayle, who is playing for Melbourne Renegades, told "Network Ten" journalist Mel McLaughlin that they "should go out for a drink" after the match, on live TV. He later told her, "don't blush, baby".

Chris Gayle fined

The West Indian was being interviewed by Mel after he got out against Hobart Hurricanes at Blundstone Arena in Hobart.

Gayle's comments came in for criticism on Monday but he later called it a "joke" and also apologised today (January 5). However, his apology has not spared him from being sanctioned by his club Renegades.

"The Melbourne Renegades have today fined Chris Gayle $10,000 following inappropriate remarks made during Monday night's televised match against the Hobart Hurricanes on Network Ten," the team said in a statement on Tuesday.

"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 at Melbourne airport today after returning from Hobart.

"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. It was a simple joke, the game was going on. Entertainment, things get out of proportion but these things do happen," he added.

Renegades' CEO Stuart Coventry said, "Chris' comments were completely inappropriate and disrespectful. There is simply no place for these type of comments at the Melbourne Renegades.

"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," Coventry added.

The fine amount will be donated to McGrath Foundation. "The club will subsequently donate this amount ($10,000) to the McGrath Foundation in recognition of Jane McGrath day today," Coventry said.

OneIndia News

Story first published: Thursday, August 3, 2017, 7:28 [IST]
Other articles published on Aug 3, 2017