Melbourne Renegades star batsman Chris Gayle had to face a lot of criticism for his sexist comments to Channel 10 TV presenter Mel McLaughlin on Monday.
McLaughlin was clearly uncomfortable with what Gayle said during that interview during Renagades' match against Hobart Hurricanes. Post the furore, Gayle posted an apology, with McLaughlin saying she accepts it and is now ready to "move on."
"I've not spoken to [Gayle] personally but I flew home from Hobart today and he was at Melbourne airport. I know he issued an apology and I accept that. I just want to move on," McLaughlin told Channel 10's The Project on Tuesday.
"I'm a little bit uncomfortable. I'm not used to being at the centre of any sort of story. We want equality, we always want equality," she told Channel 10 news.
"I've always felt in my career I've felt nothing but respect. Of course you don't expect to get that answer [from Gayle]. [It's] a little bit disappointing because it just doesn't happen normally."
Gayle escaped a suspension and was fined A$10,000 by his team the Melbourne Renegades. The amount will be donated to The McGrath Foundation.
Sydney Thunder's former captain Chris Rogers criticised Gayle for his public flirtation on live TV. Gayle had played under Rogers' captaincy earlier in the Big Bash League. Rogers stated that the West Indian opener's behaviour towards McLaughlin was completely unacceptable, while terming the West Indian's apology "disappointing".
"His apology, he's basically saying 'Oh well, if she feels bad about it well then I'm sorry about that', but he's not actually saying that he's sorry that he said it," Rogers was quoted as saying by Grandstand.
"That is disappointing because he has to realise at some stage – you know, I'd be the first one to admit that there's been times that I probably let myself down with my behaviour, but you grow up."
"You start making better decisions, and he needs to start making better decisions."
