CPL defends Chris Gayle over ‘sexist’ exchange with reporter

(Jamaica Observer) KINGSTON, Jamaica – What the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) describes as a friendly between Jamaica Tallawahs Captain, Chris Gayle and a female reporter has been condemned as ‘sexist’ by a women’s rights group in Antigua. The Antigua Observer reports that Gayle made the somewhat controversial comment when the reporter asked, “How does the pitch feel so far in terms of the training (and) the weather?”

His response, “Well I haven’t touched yours yet so I don’t know how it feels.”

Seemingly unperturbed by the comment, the woman laughed uncontrollably the Antigua Observer mentioned. Gayle continued the exchange and complimenting the woman, said “I like your smile; that’s nice.”

The report continued to say that someone at the head table whispered to Gayle “stick to cricket” and “press conference, please” at that point. In an email later, the CPL spokesperson defended Gayle’s action. “Chris is excited for the tournament and was having a laugh with a journalist, who had a laugh back; there was no malice intended.