Big Bash fans were treated to a truly cringe-worthy moment last night when Chris Gayle decided to hit on Channel Ten presenter Mel McLaughlin during an on-air interview.
The former West Indies test cricket captain had just smashed 41 runs from 15 deliveries of the Melbourne Renegades’ victory over the Hobart Hurricanes when his interview with McLaughlin got very, very seedy. Intending to speak about the innings, Gayle said he was happy to be interviewed by McLaughlin “Just to see your eyes for the first time“. He continued with a chuckle “Hopefully we can win this game and we can have a drink after. Don’t blush, baby“. McLaughlin, who is a total pro, firmly stated that she wasn’t blushing and swiftly ended the interview when Gayle continued his creepy comments.
Sexist, sleazy or both? Whatever it is, @Mel_Mclaughlin handles this exchange with Chris Gayle superbly @henrygayle pic.twitter.com/JQyIUiNV3l
— Auskar Surbakti (@AuskarSurbakti) January 4, 2016
Big Bash League head Anthony Everard said Gayle’s comments were inappropriate, saying that “There’s no place in the BBL or, for that matter, cricket anywhere for that sort of behaviour“. According to the Hearld Sun, Gayle is expected to make a public apology once the Renegades return home from Hobart. Meanwhile, his only comments on the situation has been this retweet.
I’m absolutely outraged that everyone’s so absolutely outraged by @henrygayle being a bit cheeky to a female TV reporter. #BBL05 — Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) January 4, 2016
Condemnations of Gayle’s behaviour has been swift online. Many, including former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff, calling the way he conducted himself as ridiculous, while a few maintain he was having some cheeky fun.
Well played @Mel_Mclaughlin !! Big fan of @henrygayle but made himself look a bit of a chop there @tensporttv #bbl05 — andrew flintoff (@flintoff11) January 4, 2016
Turnbull has called #ChrisGayle and offered a front bench position as he fits the criteria of the Liberal Gov with flying colours — Rowan (@FightingTories) January 4, 2016
I think @Mel_Mclaughlin‘s face after Chris Gayle’s embarrassing behaviour says it all #NOPE — Melanie Dinjaski (@MelanieDinjaski) January 4, 2016
To be fair to #ChrisGayle, he was just trying to take West Indian cricket back to the 1980s. — The Shovel (@The_Shovel_) January 4, 2016
In 2014 a female reporter asked Chris Gayle about the “feel of the pitch”. He replied: “I haven’t touched yours yet” https://t.co/A5SDwXIwGj — Mark Di Stefano (@MarkDiStef) January 4, 2016
Can’t we just agree that #ChrisGayle‘s comments were BOTH “harmless fun” AND “the worst thing ever said in the history of words”? — Adam Liaw (@adamliaw) January 4, 2016
Chris Gayle went too far in TV interview, @tensporttv commentator says. WATCH: https://t.co/pJrs1w8w00 — cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) January 4, 2016
This story was first seen in The Guardian.