Todd Carney says he wanted to quit the NRL in the moments after he was charged with drink-driving
By James Phelps The Sunday Telegraph February 27, 2011 9:19AM
Sydney Roosters' Dally M medallist Todd Carney wanted to quit the NRL in the moments after he was charged with drink-driving.
The Roosters star broke down in tears after his arrest and only a series of crisis talks with his manager, mother and Sydney Roosters officials stopped him from walking away from rugby league.
"When something like that happens it just feels too hard," an emotional Todd Carney said.
"I knew I had let the club down and the thought of quitting crossed my mind.
"I was filthy with myself and upset and didn't know if I could go on."
Carney's world came crashing down at 7am on Saturday when he was pulled over at Coogee for a random breath test. He had been at a function drinking with injured teammates on Friday night.
"I was on my way to a breakfast with my finance guy just to go over a couple of things," Carney said.
"I just got up, showered and did all the things I normally do and got in the car and left. On the way there, on Coogee Bay Rd, the police pulled me over.
"I had no idea I was over the limit and was more worried whether or not I had my P plates on."
Carney blew 0.052 and was taken to Maroubra Police station, where he was charged by low-range drink driving.
A shattered Carney called his manager David Riolo and told him he wanted to quit the game.
"I just lost my stomach when he said I had to go down the station," the NRL star said.
"I couldn't believe it. I was shattered and I knew I had lost a lot of respect from people. I thought about it (quitting) but that would have been the easy option, to walk away."
Carney was rushed into a series of meetings, first with Riolo and then Roosters coach Brian Smith. They convinced him to front up to his mistake.
"He (Carney) told me he wanted to retire," Carney's manager David Riolo confirmed. "He was filthy on himself for letting people down and upset with what he had done.
"It all seemed too much, but then he put it all into perspective. At the end of the day, he knows he has made a mistake but is ready to make up for it."
Carney was sacked by Canberra in 2008 for a series of alcohol related indiscretions, including a drink-driving charge.
He stayed clear of alcohol last year during his breakthrough season, but reportedly fell off the wagon during the Four Nations campaign with the Kangaroos team.
After a heart-to-heart with his mother, Carney has once again vowed to stay clear of the booze.
"I spoke to Mum and she said all my problems come from that," he said. "She pointed out what a good year I had when I wasn't drinking and told me to keep off it. This is the wake-up call I needed."
With his reputation once again in tatters, Carney has pleaded with fans to forgive him for his latest slip-up.
He stressed that the drink-driving charge would be a one-off incident.
"This isn't fun for anyone," Carney said. "I know I have done the wrong thing and I hope people can forgive me.
"I hope they realise I made a mistake."
