Cruden's big night out in Auckland meant he missed the All Blacks' airport check-in and tour to Argentina and South Africa. The flight was at 11.38am on Sunday.
He has been stood down for the rest of the rugby championship and may yet face internal charges and a fine.
Putting any further penalty aside, the star five-eighth is already paying a heavy price.
He has had to front up, admit what happened and make it clear he is "deeply embarrassed" by his actions, which have let himself and his team down.
"I carry the burden of shame and disappointment and I am deeply apologetic to my team, to my family and also the New Zealand public."
He has also set a bad example for young players out there who idolise him. This again reminds us that being an All Black is more than just a job and these players are expected to meet high standards.
But I do feel sorry for him.
We all make mistakes and while his is professionally unacceptable, many others have done a lot worse.
Zac Guildford's naked, drunken escapade in Rarotonga, in which he assaulted two bar patrons and reportedly said something lewd to another athlete, was a sorry example.
Others include Doug Howlett jumping on parked cars and Aaron Smith's nude photos finding their way on to the internet. There are also former All Blacks who have also been on assault-related charges.
These far outrank Cruden's transgression.
Cruden should face an appropriate fine to send a strong message, but stay in the All Blacks based on his on-field performance and given another chance.
