Big sponsor dumps Carter
Dan Carter has lost a lucrative sponsorship with a car company because of his drink-driving charge.
Carter was caught driving in Paris with excessive blood-alcohol levels last week and faces a court appearance.
The fallout now includes glamour car manufacturer Land Rover dumping the All Blacks great who is playing in France’s Top 14 championship.
Carter confirmed the development on his Facebook page yesterday, saying: ‘‘Over the last few days my management and I have had to front up to my sponsors. Not surprisingly, Land Rover, who for good reason have zero tolerance towards drink driving, have ended their relationship with me. I understand this completely and am disappointed I put them in this position.’’
Carter, who is battling a leg injury that has made him unavailable for French club Paris Racing, has returned to New Zealand.
To his credit, Carter hasn’t dodged the controversy. He used his Facebook page last week to confirm his indiscretion and also apologise for his actions.
British manufacturer Land Rover has a high profile in rugby, being a major sponsor at the last two World Cups, in New Zealand and England. Carter, 34, was part of the All Blacks teams that won both of those tournaments.
He had a squeaky clean image until last week’s fateful night in the 17th district in Paris, near the Champs-Elysees, when he was stopped by police, allegedly speeding not carrying a driver’s licence and recording an alcohol level of .98g/l, well above the legal limit of .5g/l.