Foxy:

How could Gayle’s behaviour ever be described as sexist? Sexist behaviour by a man is when he discriminates in favour of men or against women. There can be no discrimination unless there are at least two options - one option to flirt with women and another to flirt with men. So are you saying that when people only flirt with one sex or the other that it is sexist behaviour? Is everyone obliged to flirt equally with both sexes for fear of being sexist?

No one has fined him for being sexist. They have fined him for what they consider to be inappropriate behaviour.

Do you think it is fair for someone to be fined $10k for flirting with a reporter on TV? That is the only relevant question in this discussion. Can you say yes or no without any qualification?

“Gayles cheapens not only himself but the sport as well.”

How does an inanimate thing like a sport get cheapened? People enjoy cricket because it is a great spectacle to watch. Cricket is enjoyable whether it is played by thorough gentlemen or complete rogues. People go to watch bat on ball, running between wickets, the skills of the players. Their enjoyment is for the game not what players do off the field. It’s like saying Van Gogh cheapened art by his drunkenness.

“He should instead focus on what he does best.”

He is probably as focused as he thinks he needs to be. Perhaps you could email him and give him your advice.

phanto, you could stretch your line of argument to cover sporting bodies that fine coaches etc for speaking out against referees etc. I am no legal expert, but what powers do sporting bodies have to levy private finds in the first place? Interesting one if it was to be tested in court.

Dear phanto,

Sexism is inappropriate behaviour.

And Chris Gayle was fined because of his behaviour
towards women. Even after his fine Mr Gayle still
continued signing autographs with the word, "Don't
Blush Baby!" which showed that he still persisted
in his put-downs. As Mel McLaughlin told him, "I'm not
blushing." Which amused him.

This was not the first time Chris Gayle has put
female TV presenters in difficult situations. The
Melbourne Renegades Big Bash League let him off easy
with the $10,000 fine - saying it was a "one of,"
situation. It wasn't. This was not the first time
he's been called out for his sexist behaviour - only
this time he went and gone and did it on free to air
where as I stated earlier the evidence is more accessible
and the blow back more evident.

Anyway, regardless of what you and I may think and how
much we may disagree on this topic the fact remains
that not only his team but in the court of public opinion
his behaviour was found to be inappropriate - and despite
the faux apology - Mr Gayle's behaviour did not change
one iota. He still retained the words "Don't Blush Baby!"
Who's he to tell a journalist with whom she should go out
or when to blush? Not a good role model.
Putting others down at their expense - for a few laughs.
And then persist with it.
Not a good look.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016/01/05/chris-gayle-fined-melbourne-renegades-bbl/7069194

A woman should be allowed to perform her job without
having to encounter unwanted sexual advances. It's as
simple as that. She wasn't his "baby."
And Chris Gayle did not respect the journalist as a
professional trying to do her job or the fact that she
may be in a relationship. He made her feel uncomfortable
as can be seen from the interview.
That sort of behaviour demeans us all and is inappropriate.

Foxy:

“Sexism is inappropriate behaviour.”

No one said it is not. What I said is that it is not sexism. Just because someone on the Drum says it is does not make it true.

Where is the discrimination in his behaviour?

Why can’t you answer my simple question? Do you – not anyone else, just you - think his behaviour on that particular occasion (not taking into account any other occasion) deserved a fine of that size.

“in the court of public opinion his behaviour was found to be inappropriate”

The court of public opinion does not issue fines. I am asking you do you think it is fair that those who had the power to fine him did so?

“Not a good look”

I am not asking you whether it was a good look or whether he is a good role model or anything else. I am simply asking that all things considered do you consider that the fine was warranted? A simple yes or no will suffice.

“unwanted sexual advances”

How do you know they were unwanted? Why wouldn’t she find him attractive? Are you in her head or yours? Where was the sexual advance? Is every invitation to have a drink an advance? People get asked to have drinks for a whole myriad of reasons.

“ Chris Gayle did not respect the journalist as a professional trying to do her job”

He does not have to play to her rules or anyone else’s. If he wants to ask her for a drink he has every right or don’t you believe in free speech?

“He made her feel uncomfortable”

Why should she feel uncomfortable? Did she feel under some pressure to go along with his behaviour? There is absolutely no reason why she should feel uncomfortable about being asked out for a drink even at work or on TV. She could have totally ignored what he said and focused back on the cricket. If she was confident in her rights as a person to ignore such questions then she would not have felt the slightest discomfort.

Dear phanto,

I have tried to explain my point of view to you.
I have nothing further to add.
You still don't get it - I have no control over
that.

Cheers.