Published: Jan 05, 2016, 03:31 PM (IST)
Edited: Jan 08, 2016, 03:08 PM (IST)
Chris Gayle’s apology has been accepted by Network Ten KFC Big Bash League presenter Mel McLaughlin although the former has admitted to have been disappointed by Gayle’s unacceptable behaviour during an interview on Monday. According to cricket.com.au, Gayle’s comments during the interview in Hobart sparked condemnation from Cricket Australia boss James Sutherland and the Head of the BBL, Anthony Everard which led to he being issued a hefty fine of $10,000 from his KFC Big Bash League team Melbourne Renegades. Earlier in the day, Gayle had apologised to the commentator claiming his comments was a “simple joke” that left McLaughlin “embarrassed, angry and upset.” READ: COMPLETE COVERAGE: Chris Gayle sexist remark to Australian journalist controversy
The journalist added that although she hasn’t spoken to the West Indian personally after the incident. At Melbourne airport she discovered that Gayle had issued an apology and she has accepted it. “I accept that and I just want to move on,” McLaughlin said.
“I’m a little bit uncomfortable. I’m not really used to being in the centre of any sort of story and this one certainly escalated, but I’m okay. It was certainly unexpected. It was obviously a little disappointing because he had done so well out there with the bat. He’d scored 41 off 15 balls, smashing sixes and I was really excited to talk to him about that. “I would have much preferred to be talking about that instead,” McLaughlin said. READ: Chris Gayle fined USD 7,000 by Melbourne Renegades for inappropriate comments on Mel McLaughlin
She added that it was for the very first time she was felt disrespected as a TV presenter and journalist while covering the Australian T20 League. She said, “I suppose you can always learn from every experience. No doubt there’s something to take out of this but I know myself that the attitudes are extremely positive. I’ve always felt respect on the sidelines. I know that attitudes have completely changed. There’s a certain stigma that people like to talk about with women in sport. I haven’t felt that. I love my job and I’d just rather be talking about that.”
