This thread hinges on your definition of tainted. Dictionary.com defines it using words such as offensive, harmful, infection, contamination, dishonor, discredit, and so on. To me, none of those things fit an injury obtained during fair play. If you think of something else when you hear the word "tainted" though, there's nothing anyone can really say to talk you out of your opinion.

Your post makes it sound like you're simply trying to say that it was disappointing, and will be looked back on wistfully with a "what could have been" mindset. You just happen to use the word "tainted" to describe that. I agree with most of what you're saying, I just don't think you're using the right word. I suppose that's not really worth much discussion though. If you like tainted, tainted it is.