Tom Carter, the centre for New South Wales Waratahs, has been labeled a disgrace by Adam Byrnes for endangering his career through an eye-gouging allegation.
After successfully appealing a shocking 10-week suspension issued three weeks ago, the Melbourne Rebels lock was cleared of the charge on Thursday.
The SANZAR judiciary acknowledged the lack of definitive evidence proving that Byrnes had intentionally contacted Carter’s eye during their match on March 2.
Following his vindication, Byrnes strongly criticized Carter’s attempts to have him suspended for gouging, which included a comprehensive written report submitted to the SANZAR judicial panel.
“Being falsely accused with such a defamatory label, as Tom has, is incredibly poor behavior,” Byrnes stated. “I didn’t do anything wrong. The way the public perceives me has not been favorable, and it has affected my family more than it has me.
“I want to acknowledge that Tom performed exceptionally well against us and responded well to the criticisms he faced earlier in the week. I respect him as a player, but to attempt to drag another player down and risk their livelihood reflects a very low character.
“You can hear him on the mic making the accusation, saying, ‘Adam Byrnes just eye-gouged me,’ first to Daniel Halangahu and then to the referee.
“I recognize that in the heat of competition, emotions run high. However, to take it further with a written statement and pursue this process is disgraceful.
“In my opinion, that brings disrepute to the game, and it is a type of character I would never wish to embody.
“I don’t know him personally, but his behavior has been very disappointing.”
Byrnes, whose contract expires at the end of this year, has found it difficult to engage with clubs while he has been focused on exonerating himself over the past three weeks. He noted that even the mere suggestion of eye-gouging has negatively influenced his appeal to recruiters, threatening his future opportunities.
“I don’t shy away from the fact that I play hard and tough,” Byrnes remarked. “However, I always do so within the rules. I have never received a red card in my 20-year career.
“My public image is beyond my control, but when accusations like this arise during contract negotiations, it can significantly impact your career.”
Byrnes, who is currently injured, is set to make his comeback against the Tahs in Sydney on April 21.
by Buford Balony
