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Chris Gayle is well known for his off-field antics, however he was way off the mark with his comments to Network Ten BBL host Mel McLaughlin.
Gayle clearly has a good time – his Twitter feed is filled with pictures of parties, drinks and ladies. But on this occasion he showed poor judgment and little tact in confronting McLaughlin on live television with what he described as “a simple joke”.
It seems however, that the joke is on him.
More on Chris Gayle
» Gayle-force dumb descends upon Big Bash League
» Interview was a “simple joke”: Gayle
» Gayle comments disrespectful: BBL
A quick analysis of his social media accounts shows how he wishes to be understood, heard and interpreted by his followers and the public. That is what social media is for.
His social media persona is of a successful sportsman enjoying his life in the most gregarious way. He portrays the image of a rockstar, living freely, untangled by modern sensibilities and controls.
But even rockstars need a filter.
His decision to bring his social media persona to a more mainstream avenue was clearly a failure and an error in judgment. Where social media is the avenue for an individual’s whims, commercial television and the mainstream media are clearly not the media for such dialogue or commentary.
Gone are the days of the casual slap on the bottom, or an untimely and creepy wink from a sports hero. Times have changed.
Let’s be honest though, we aren’t going to change Chris Gayle. Cricket Australia, the Big Bash League and Channel Ten promptly made stern statements about Gayle’s comments, but it’s unlikely he will change his ways.
Nevertheless, certain standards of behaviour and conduct are required, and he was clearly bowled over on that one.
What might further shock Gayle is that most people really only care about watching him play cricket. The amazing crowds of the Big Bash this summer have been testament to the format’s viability and increasing popularity, and Gayle is just one draw card that people come to see.
The majority really don’t care what he does, other than play cricket, which again raises the question as to why he said what he said in the first place.
Ultimately, this unfortunate blip on the radar is a negative on Gayle and no one else. We know that kind of thing is off the mark and shouldn’t happen.
Just hit the ball over the fence and catch the ball mate, it’s that easy.
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