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“We want equality, we always want equality”

Reporter Mel McLaughlin says she accepts Chris Gayle’s apology and wants to move on following a controversial sideline interview which provoked widespread outrage.

Jan 06, 2016, updated Jan 06, 2016
Chris Gayle at Melbourne Airport ahead of his brief media conference yesterday. Photo: Tracey Nearmy, AAP

Chris Gayle at Melbourne Airport ahead of his brief media conference yesterday. Photo: Tracey Nearmy, AAP

The big-hitting West Indian was fined $10,000 by the Melbourne Renegades for his attempt to flirt with Channel Ten’s McLaughlin which he described as a “simple joke” that had been blown out of proportion.

He later publically apologised if any offence was caused.

“I’ve not spoken to (Gayle) personally but I flew home from Hobart today and he was at Melbourne airport,” McLaughlin told Ten’s The Project last night.

“I know he issued an apology and I accept that…I just want to move on.”

McLaughlin said it was a good thing the incident had sparked debate over sexism in sporting media.

“We want equality, we always want equality,” she told Ten 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.”

Hours after receiving his penalty, Gayle posted on Instagram joking that fellow West Indian Dwayne Bravo would have to pay for dinner.

“Pockets are empty so @djbravo47 paying the dinner bill nothing … Let’s roll DJ. #champion,” the post featuring the two players read.

Pockets are empty so djbravo47 paying the dinner bill tonight … Let's roll DJ. #Champion https://t.co/iLvkCtgrke

— Chris Gayle (@henrygayle) January 5, 2016

Sri Lanka great Mahela Jayawardene said Gayle had not handled himself well when he made the suggestive comments.

Speaking after the Adelaide Strikers’ BBL win last night, Jayawardene said the marquee Renegade should have acted more professionally.

“I’ve known Gayle for a long time and he’s a funny guy,” Jayawardene said.

“I don’t think he takes that many things seriously but obviously people react differently as well. I reckon we could probably tone it down a bit.

“At the same time, Chris should’ve realised that it was a much more professional situation and handled himself a bit better.”

Mel McLaughlin and Chris Gayle.

Mel McLaughlin and Chris Gayle.

Meanwhile, a woman has alleged Gayle indecently exposed himself to her while she was working around the West Indies team during their preparation for the World Cup in Sydney last year.

According to a Fairfax report, the woman entered the West Indian dressing room where Gayle was wrapped in a towel which she says he pulled down partially to expose his genitals while saying to her: “Are you looking for this?”

“You put yourself in an office environment in Australia, and there’s no way that’s going to fly,” the woman said.

“Put yourself back in that deserted change room and it’s somehow OK for a career professional to be subjected to sexual jokes and demeaning advances.”

Two other female journalists Neroli Meadows and Melinda Farrell also detailed inappropriate comments or advances from Gayle.

Former Test opener Chris Rogers said he had distanced himself from Gayle while playing alongside him at Sydney Thunder and was concerned by the example he set for younger players.

“This is a pattern of behaviour,” Rogers told ABC’s Grandstand.

“If you know the guy you see it over and over.”

-AAP

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