Chris Gayle Asks Television Presenter out for Drink, Says 'Don't Blush, Baby'

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Gayle says @Mel_Mclaughlin "Don't blush baby!" Best post wicket chat ever #BBL05 pic.twitter.com/HYb4FCddDe

— HoldingWilleyCricket (@holdingwilley) January 4, 2016"

Ten Sport presenter Melanie McLaughlin appeared less than impressed on Monday when Chris Gayle asked her out for a drink live on air before telling her, "Don't blush, baby."

Gayle was talking to McLaughlin after scoring 41 runs off 15 balls for the Melbourne Renegades in their match with the Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League.

McLaughlin handled the unwelcome request professionally, replying, "I'm not blushing," before continuing with the interview.

Anthony Everard, head of the BBL, later released a statement condemning Gayle's comments:

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Statement re Chris Gayle on air comments tonight. pic.twitter.com/Zq6xn8fquW

— Anthony Everard (@BigBashLeagueHQ) January 4, 2016"

Gayle later explained his actions. 

But that wasn't enough for Gayle to avoid punishment, as he was handed a $10,000 fine.

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.@renegadesbbl have fined Chris Gayle $10,000 for comments made to Mel McLaughlin during #BBL05 last night

— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) January 5, 2016"

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Gayle's $10,000 fine will be donated to the McGrath Foundation in honour of Jane McGrath Day

— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) January 5, 2016"

[Journalist Robert Craddock now thinks that Big Bash are both concerned with his behaviour and are considering banning him from future tournaments. 

He told Inside Cricket (h/t Fox Sports): 

"

There's a felling that he will be banned. He will not return next year. 

Cricket Australia will not sanction it and theyw ill take a very strong stance on it, for two reasons: One, because they don't like his behaviour. And two, because there's also a feeling that the competition is outgrowing some of its international stars. That it can stand on its own two feet. 

Some may consider that extreme punishment for one singular offence. But the story is growing, even today there was a story on the front page alleging that (Gayle) exposed himself to a woman during last year's World Cup. 

Not good enough. Terrible behaviour.

"

[Twitter]