Ten Network reporter Mel McLaughlin found herself being asked out for a drink during an interview with the burly West Indian after he blasted 41 runs off 15 balls in Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL) late Monday.
Live on air, Gayle — who later insisted he was just joking — said he was happy to be interviewed by McLaughlin “just to see your eyes for the first time”.
“Nice, so hopefully we can win this game and we can have a drink after,” he said.
“Don’t blush baby,” the Jamaican added, prompting the unimpressed McLaughlin to shake her head and reply, “I’m not blushing.”
“Sorry,” added Gayle, breaking into a big laugh.
Ch10 back-pedalling after than Gayle interview. Should have called him out on the spot. #gayle #bigbash #BBL05 pic.twitter.com/K1oLgy6NFk
— Dhillon (@dhillonz) January 4, 2016
Cricket Australia and Big Bash League officials did not see the funny side of what Gayle later said was meant as a joke.
Cricket Australia chief James Sutherland 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”.
He said Gayle was not in a “nightclub” and his behaviour was “not cool”.
“I think that anyone who sees humour in that is misunderstanding and somewhat delusional about the situation,” Sutherland added.
With the governing body leaving open a threat of sanctions, the Renegades quickly announced a fine.
Club CEO Stuart Coventry said the money would be donated to the Jane McGrath foundation, named after legendary fast bowler Glenn’s late wife who died of breast cancer.
Coventry offered a formal apology “for the offence caused” to McLaughlin and fans.
“We think this is a one-off scenario,” he said, describing the exchange as “a cultural indifference… done in jest”.
“He’s accepted it (the fine) in good faith and he’s looking forward to playing what’s hopefully a sell-out derby game on Saturday,” Coventry added.
The opener was apologetic on Tuesday morning, but also tried to brush off the incident and said it had been blown up 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.”
The cringe-worthy incident lit up social media, with former England captain and Ten commentator Andrew Flintoff tweeting, “Big fan of @henrygayle but he made himself look like a bit of a chop there.”
