a black mark next to (one's) name

A long-lasting negative impact or outcome of some action or mistake that permanently harms one's reputation. The arrest put a black mark next to Jerry's name that ruined his standing within the industry. They let me keep my job after I got caught, but the transgression became a black mark next to my name for the rest of my career. That team's general manager has had a black mark next to his name ever since he traded their ace pitcher for next-to-nothing.