'Don't blush baby' Cricket star branded sexist after trying to chat up TV presenter
AN ATTEMPT to chat up a TV presenter live on air has gone horribly wrong for cricket star Chris Gayle.
Chris Gayle asked out the Australian TV presenter live on air
The talented West Indies batsman has been branded "sexist" and been accused of using his position to put attractive Australian presenter Mel McLaughlin in an "uncomfortable" situation.
The Windies legend launched into his odd proposal, soon into the interview after hitting 41 runs from 15 balls in Melbourne Renegades' Big Bash League win over Hobart Hurricanes.
He said: "I wanted to come and have an interview with you as well," Gayle said.
"That’s the reason why I’m here, just to see your eyes for the first time. It’s nice.
"Hopefully we can win this game and have a drink after. Don’t blush baby."
Chris Gayle flirts with Channel Ten’s Mel McLaughlin in awkward interview
Mel Mclaughlin looked taken aback by the comments but carried on with the interview
Miss McLaughlin, 36, remained professional and carried on with the interview, but was clearly taken aback by the comments.
She responded: "I'm not blushing."
Veteran batsman Gayle was blasted for his comments by England legend Andrew Flintoff.
The Ashes winning star wrote on Twitter: "Well played @ Mel_Mclaughlin!! Big fan of @ henrygayle but made himself look a bit of a chop there".
However, he appeared to go back on that comment when he responded to another user minutes later, adding "got it wrong move on!"
Presenter Mel Mclaughlin did not respond to his 'drink' comments
Did Chris Gayle think he was in a bar? What a pathetic individual. #sexism #BBL
— Andrew Prentice (@apaway501) January 4, 2016
There's just no place in the BBL - or for that matter, cricket anywhere - for that sort of behaviour
Big Bash League boss Anthony Everard was unimpressed by Gayle's remarks, and would be speaking to both the cricketer and his team about the incident.
"I heard Chris' comments and they're disrespectful and simply inappropriate," he said in a statement on Twitter.
"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."
Chris Gayle told Mel Mclaughlin she had nice eyes and asked her for a drink
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
Not smooth or clever from @henrygayle. Just going for cheap laughs. @Mel_Mclaughlin wasn't playing. Her professionalism re-inforced.
— DebbieSpillane (@DebSpillane) January 4, 2016
Sexist, sleazy or both? Whatever it is, @Mel_Mclaughlin handles this exchange with Chris Gayle superbly @henrygayle pic.twitter.com/JQyIUiNV3l
— Auskar Surbakti (@AuskarSurbakti) January 4, 2016