Lam apologises for outburst

UNDER-FIRE Blues coach Pat Lam has been reprimanded and forced to apologise for criticising SANZAR citing commissioner Steve Hinds.

Lam took aim at Hinds last week, saying he could not believe flanker Luke Braid had been banned for three weeks while Hurricanes hooker Dane Coles escaped any penalty for striking Highlanders prop Bronson Murray.

“I wish to formally acknowledge it was not appropriate for me to make comments criticising the performance of the citing commissioner,” said Lam in a statement.

“Citing commissioners are not in a position to enter into public debate around the merits of their decisions, and I accept that to personally criticise any official in that way is inappropriate.  Accordingly I would like to apologise for the comments I made on this matter.

“SANZAR has raised with me their concern that I made these critical comments, and advised me there may be a breach of the SANZAR code of conduct, which amongst other things, requires those of us involved in the game not to criticise officials in this way.”

Lam acknowledged the need for interaction with the media and the public, but says there are times when certain issues were best left for more direct dialogue between SANZAR and franchise officials.

The Blues, who have a one-win, four-loss record, have the bye this weekend.