Who said What: Chris Gayle's controversial on-air comments
Chris Gayle's cheeky comments on air to Channel 10 reporter Mel McLaughlin drew plenty of criticism from all quarters after the West Indian asked the reporter out after his 15-ball 41 against Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League.
Gayle’s response to a question about cricket was to ask the reporter out. He said: “Your eyes are beautiful, hopefully, we can win this game and then we can have a drink after as well. Don’t blush baby.”
Unsurprisingly, his comment has come under fire on Twitter, with some taking his side, others dismissing as nothing but a tongue-in-cheek comment that shouldn’t deserve so much attention while there were others who just wanted a bit of perspective.
Anthony Everard, Head of BBL, said: “I heard Chris’s comments and they’re disrespectful and simply inappropriate. We’ll certainly be talking to him and the Renegades about it. This league is all about its appeal to kids, families and females. There's just no place in the BBL or, for that matter, cricket anywhere – for that sort of behaviour.”
While Network 10 didn't help matters, as they tweeted this, but later deleted it.
There were plenty admonishing gayle for his comments, including former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff.
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
Unless you're a woman trying to carve out a career in a male-dominated industry you don't really know what it feels like. #Gayle #BBL05
— Angela Pippos (@angelapippos) January 4, 2016
Then there were those who wondered why much ado was being made, about a tongue-in-cheek comment. Here’s what Australian hockey player Georgie Parker had to say.
Next time I get interviewed by a male I'll do a Chris Gayle, and I'm fairly sure no one would blink an eye lid.. Let's calm our farms people
— Georgie Parker (@georgieparker) January 4, 2016
Others were looking at similarities between Gayle's comments and others.
I hope all outraged by Chris Gayle are same when watching Julia Morris all over Dr Chris Brown again on #ImACelebGetMeOutofHere #BBL05
— Steve Harrod (@StephenHarrod) January 4, 2016
Can someone please explain to me the real difference between Chris Gayle's #BBL banter and Sharapova's effort: https://t.co/yzLZWaHTx8
— Josh (@Neetcho_) January 4, 2016
So Gayle's critics are cool with those ads of Julia Morris all hot and flustered at the sight of male flesh then? #BBL05
— Ronny Lerner (@RonnyLerner) January 4, 2016
Some just want a bit of perspective.
An 18yo lost his life to a cowards punch today & people are crying over some light hearted comments from Chris Gayle. #getagrip #perspective
— Jake Burgess (@JakeBurgo) January 4, 2016
Inappropriate by Gayle yes, but the biggest issue of the day seems to be lost. Cole Miller lost his life through a senseless coward punch
— Tom Rockliff (@rockwiz38) January 4, 2016