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Gayle apologises to reporter McLaughlin

Chris Gayle has apologised to reporter Mel McLaughlin after a controversial post-match interview, saying he did not intend to offend the journalist.

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Chris Gayle has made a public apology to Channel 10 reporter Mel McLaughlin after a controversial post-match interview, saying he did not intend to offend the journalist.

Gayle landed himself in hot water during an on-air interview with McLaughlin, who looked clearly uncomfortable when the West Indies opener said: "Hopefully we can win this game and you and I can have a drink after. Don't blush, baby."

The West Indian batsman was being interviewed by McLaughlin after hitting 41 runs off 15 balls to help the Melbourne Renegades to a six-wicket win over the Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League on Monday.

Gayle's comments prompted an on-air apology from the game's commentators and were condemned by BBL chief Anthony Everard and Renegades chief executive Stuart Coventry.

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After touching down in Melbourne on Tuesday, Gayle publicly apologised for his conduct.

"There wasn't anything meant to be disrespectful or offensive to Mel. If she felt that way, I'm really sorry for that," Gayle told reporters.

"It seemed to be blown out of proportion. There wasn't any harm meant in that particular way … it was a simple joke.

"I didn't get a chance [to apologise]. I tried to reach out to her [on Monday night] but it didn't happen."

Gayle could face further sanction from Cricket Australia, with CA chief executive James Sutherland confirming the governing body was looking into the matter.

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"It is something that at this stage we are dealing with internally to understand more," Sutherland said.

"I don't think at the end of all this Chris will be under any illusions as to what we think of it.

"Anyone that sees the humour in that is misunderstanding and somewhat delusional about the situation."

McLaughlin was angered by Gayle's comments, according to Channel 10 head of sport David Barham, who was at home watching the match on television when the comments were made.

"I spoke to her immediately afterwards. I rang her and she was on the ground ... she was a bit angry and upset I suppose,” Barham told Australian radio station 3AW on Tuesday.

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"She was asking him legitimate questions about cricket and he turned it into talking about her eyes. She was a bit taken aback ... embarrassed.

"I thought it was a bit demeaning. She was pretty composed, really, and agreed that we’ve just got to get on with the game and that’s just what she did. I thought she handled it brilliantly.

"She was angry and she was upset. She was doing her best to get an insightful interview about the cricket. That's what her job is and she works really hard at it. She’s really well prepared. I think she was very surprised."

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