Adam Byrnes, the Melbourne Rebels bearded delinquent was fined an effective AUD 7 500.00 for his verbal attacks on Tom Carter. The amount consist of a fine of AUD 5 000.00 as well as SANZAR costs of AUD 2 500.00.
A SANZAR Misconduct Hearing for Melbourne Rebels player Adam Byrnes has been held in front of Judicial Officer Nigel Hampton QC.
Mr Hampton QC took original submissions at a hearing on 10 April and requested further written submissions from both SANZAR and Mr Byrnes.
Following consideration of these submissions, Mr Hampton QC resumed the substantive hearing on the 19 April 2012.
Today Mr Hampton QC issued his written judgements on the case in which he reported:
He found on the balance of probabilities, that SANZAR had made out its Misconduct Complaint and that Melbourne Rebels player Adam Byrnes had committed an act of misconduct forcomments in an article in the Daily Telegraph on 23 March 2012.
He found that the interview contained an unwarranted and serious verbal attack by Mr Byrnes on the integrity and good character of another player (Waratahs player Tom Carter), an attack such as well might impair public confidence in that other player’s character and integrity.
Following a successful appeal against a 10-week sanction handed down by a SANZAR Judicial Officer for making contact with the eyes of Waratahs Tom Carter, Mr Hampton QC commented, “The Judicial system had worked in Mr Byrnes’ favour”.
“Dignity and restraint – goodsportsmanship – were called for”. “Dignity and restraint – good sportsmanship –were not forthcoming”.
In comparison with other similar Misconduct sanctions Mr Hampton QC found that no credit could be given to Mr Byrnes for remorse, as unlike other cases where remorse had been shown,in this case there was no remorse, no admission and no apology.
Credit however was given in recognition of Mr Byrnes’ long unblemished career in, and service to, Rugby.
Therefore the sanction issued to Mr Byrnes is three fold:
a) Mr Byrnes has been issued with an official warning from SANZAR that behaviour suchas this is not to be – will not be – tolerated or allowed by SANZAR and if any future conduct by him of the like found here, will lead to far more significant consequences than here imposed.
b) Mr Byrnes is to pay a fine of AUD$5,000
c) Mr Byrnes is to pay a sum of AUD$2,500 to cover SANZAR costs.
Mr Byrnes has been advised of his right to appeal under Rule 11.10 of the SANZAR Disciplinary Rules