Cricket star Chris Gayle has been fined 10-thousand dollars following his controversial sideline interview with a female reporter during last night's Big Bash League match between the Melbourne Renegades and Hobart Hurricanes.
The cricketer described his attempt to flirt with the Network Ten reporter Mel McLaughlin live on air as a "simple joke" with no offence or disrespect intended during a press conference.
"I wanted to come and have an interview with you as well. That's the reason why I'm here, just to see your eyes for the first time," he said.
"Hopefully we can win this game and we can have a drink later. Don't blush, baby."
A visibly rattled McLaughlin responded by saying: "I'm not blushing."
Gayle said it was "a simple joke ... that went out of proportion" and offered a begrudging apology.
However, his comments provoked widespread condemnation as sexist and inappropriate and Renegades CEO Stuart Coventry announced this afternoon that Gayle would be fined 10-thousand dollars, with the money to be donated to charity.
"Chris' comments were completeley inappropriate and disrespectful. There is simply no place for these types of comments at the Melbourne renegades or the broader community or across any sport. The club would like to extend a formal apology to Mel McLaughlin."
