The Jamaican cricketer Chris Gayle was fined $7,100 for “inappropriate conduct” after an interview in Australia. During the interview, Gayle asks the interviewer out for a drink and then flirts, “don’t blush, baby.” The interviewer Mel McLaughlin responds, “I’m not blushing,” and Chris Gayle laughs it off.

Mel McLaughlin describes the incident as “disappointing.” She says Gayle was great on the field just moments prior, and she was excited to interview him about the game. Nevertheless, she accepts Gayle’s formal apology and says she wishes to “move on.”

The interview has gained worldwide attention, but it is not unique. Most of the time, the incident is brushed off after an apology or considered a joke. However, Gayle has been greatly criticized for his comments; he was heavily fined and some people believe he should be banned from playing considering his alleged history of sexist antics with women.

In Gayle’s apology, he calls the comments “a simple joke” that “seemed to went out of proportion.” He says, “there wasn’t anything that meant to be disrespectful or offended to Mel” and “there wasn’t any harm done.” Some might consider this statement the end of the incident and wait for the next scandal to spark interest again; however, Gayle’s apology does not address the root of the problem: entitlement.

Calling his comments “a simple joke” that “wasn’t meant to be disrespectful” dismisses McLaughlin’s obvious discomfort with Gayle’s flirting during a professional interview. He justifies his actions by claiming his intentions were harmless, and apologizes for how McLaughlin perceived the comments rather than taking responsibility for it. I realize this gets into semantics and may seem nit-picky, but words, especially public statements which are most likely premeditated, hold specific meaning and reveal preconceived beliefs.

It was McLaughlin’s job to interview Gayle about his performance in the game, and Gayle’s inappropriate comments hindered her from getting pertinent information. His comments were obviously unprofessional, but many fail to recognize the subconscious sexism and entitlement behind them that allow many similar instances to occur.

Women have struggled to gain equality in the workplace for years, fighting for equal pay, destruction of the glass ceiling, and equal respect in a professional setting. Flirting, or any superficial comments that distract someone from completing his or her job, is always inappropriate in a professional setting despite one’s gender. However, there are many cases where men feel entitled to comment on women's appearances in professional settings; not only does it distract from one’s job, but it reinforces the preconception that a woman’s appearance is more important than her abilities. Furthermore, in public and videotaped settings, especially when interviewing a well-renowned sports player, woman usually have to brush off the encounter.

I do not think Chris Gayle should be crucified and permanently dismissed from his cricket career for one unknowingly offensive interview; I hope there is still room for leaning. However, I hope people see these incidents that continually spark up in the news as more than unique scandals and use them to begin discussion and question the possible perceptions of their own comments and actions.