An Australian Olympian has been suspended by his sport’s governing body for attempting to buy cocaine during the Paris Games this summer.
Tom Craig, a field hockey player, was arrested and released on Aug. 7 in Paris for trying to purchase cocaine following the end of his Olympic run. He was not charged, but instead given a criminal warning and released after spending a night in custody, the Associated Press reported.
A little over a month after the incident, Craig, 28, has now been suspended for 12 months by the Australian governing body of field hockey for attempting to buy the drugs, per the outlet.
Tom Craig.
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In a statement on Wednesday, Sept. 11, Hockey Australia detailed the terms of the suspension. “Following an investigation into the arrest involving national men’s hockey team athlete Tom Craig at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, Hockey Australia’s Integrity Unit has imposed a 12-month suspension,” the statement said.
“Six months of this suspension will be served fully, with the remaining six months fully suspended, contingent upon meeting conduct and behavioral requirements,” the statement continued.
Following his initial arrest in August, Craig had apologized for attempting to purchase the cocaine, the Australian Associated Pressreported.
“I would firstly like to apologize for what has occurred over the last 24 hours,” Craig said. “I made a terrible mistake and I take full responsibility for my actions.
“My actions are my own and by no way reflect the values of my family, my teammates, my friends, the sport and the Australian Olympic team. I have embarrassed you all and I’m truly sorry,” he added.
Per the terms of his suspension, Craig will still be eligible for selection to the 2025 Australian National Field Hockey men’s team.
