Waite received a one-match ban for misconduct after headbutting Melbourne youngster Tom McDonald in the first quarter of the Blues' 10-goal win at the MCG on Sunday.
It was the injury-prone 30-year-old's first game for the season after recovering from a calf problem.
Waite played just one VFL match before being promoted to address the Blues' key-forward problems. He improved as the game wore on, finishing with 14 disposals, 10 marks (three contested), two goals and an equal game-high three goal assists.
Waite's suspension – the fifth of his career – comes at an inopportune time as he tries to build match fitness and the Blues attempt to work out their best forward structure.
Curnow expressed disappointment in Waite's actions, but says he is hopeful the veteran will atone for his misdemeanour.
"We all know Jarrad is a fiery customer," Curnow told The Carlton Podcast on carltonfc.com.au.
"He's a legend, we all love him (and) he's part of the leadership group, but he'd be the first to tell you he's let himself down, he's let the team down, he's let his teammates down.
"It's a shame, and it's (left) a big hole in the side now. We'd just got him back and he was playing great footy.
"Hopefully this is the line in the sand for him and he realises how important he is to the side. Hopefully he'll be ready to make amends for the rest of the year."
Ben Collins is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_BenCollins
