2016/01: Sexism in sport: was the reaction of the Australian sporting community to Chris Gayle's treatment of Mel McLaughlin appropriate?





Introduction to the media issue

Video clip at right:
On January 4, 2016, The Renegades' Chris Gayle made some flirtatious comments to Mel McLaughlin, a Channel Ten sports reporter after an innings in which he had scored 41 runs off 15 balls. If you cannot see this clip, it will be because video is blocked by your network. To view the clip, access from home or from a public library, or from another network which allows viewing of video clips.


What they said...
'So hopefully we win this game so we can have a drink after. Ah, don't blush, baby'
Chris Gayle, Big Bash League player for The Renegades

'I'm not blushing'
Mel McLaughlin, Channel Ten sports journalist

The issue at a glance
On January 4, 2016, Chris Gayle, the former West Indies' Test captain, hit 41 runs from 15 deliveries during the Melbourne Renegades' Big Bash League win over the Hobart Hurricanes.
In a subsequent interview he complimented Ten Network sports journalist Mel McLaughlin on her eyes and suggested they might have a drink after the game.
McLaughlin did not respond to Gayle's invitation and apparently sensing her rejection or discomfit said, 'Don't blush, baby'.
Gayle's comments have met with widespread criticism. The Renegades have fined him $10,000 for inappropriate and unprofessional behaviour. There has also been talk of Gayle no longer being a part of the Big Bash League and calls for the Renegades to sack him.
Gayle's defenders have condemned the media furore as a massive over-reaction, with some even claiming that there is an element of racism in the way Gayle's behaviour has been castigated.