Chris Gayle Fined $10,000 By Melbourne Renegades, Remains Free To Play

A whirlwind and extraordinarily controversial 24 hours for West Indian cricketer Chris Gayle has culminated in being levelled with a $10,000 fine by the Melbourne Renegades.

The Big Bash League side announced they had imposed the monetary penalty on the opening batsman for his inappropriate, unprofessional, and harassing behaviour shown towards Channel Ten presenter Mel McLaughlin during last night’s BBL clash against the Hobart Hurricanes.
The side also issued a formal apology to McLaughlin for the incident.
The $10k fine is the only punishment being handed down to Gayle by his employing team, and does not include any match bans – leaving him free to take part in Saturday night’s upcoming blockbuster clash with the Melbourne Stars.
The club also announced that the fine will be donated, in full, to the Jane McGrath Foundation.
Renegades CEO Stuart Coventry issued a statement on the club’s website that reads thusly:

Chris’ comments were completely inappropriate and disrespectful. There is simply no place for these type of comments at the Melbourne Renegades.


“The club would like to extend a formal apology to Mel McLaughlin. Mel is an outstanding sports presenter. We think of her very highly and the club and players will ensure we work with her in a professional and respectful manner in future.”

“We’ve had several discussions with Chris over the past day and he has acknowledged that his comments were out of line. We would also like to formally apologise to our members, supporters and the wider public for offence caused. The club is based on values of respect towards every member of the community.”

“As a result of his comments, the Renegades have fined Chris $10,000 for inappropriate conduct. The club will subsequently donate this amount to the McGrath Foundation in recognition of Jane McGrath day today.”

Gayle fronted media earlier today in a prickly and terse appearance, where he delivered something of a non-apology and brushed the entire incident off as little more than a joke that got blown out of proportion. He ended the conference after just 95 seconds when reporters began grilling him about the incident.

Photo: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images.

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