Australian field hockey player Tom Craig was arrested on suspicion of buying cocaine during the Paris Olympics and was banned for 12 months.
Hockey Australia suspended the 29-year-old following an investigation by the governing body's integrity department, with the remaining six months of the suspension to be suspended if he meets the standards of conduct.
The suspension means Craig will not be able to take part in any Hockey Australia matches but he will still have access to the Australia Hockey Association's player support services.
A Hockey Australia statement said: “Following an investigation into the arrest of men's hockey player Tom Craig at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Hockey Australia's Integrity Unit has imposed a 12-month suspension. Six months of this suspension will be fully served and the remaining six months will be fully suspended, subject to the satisfaction of behaviour and conduct requirements.”
“During the period of his suspension, Craig will be prohibited from competing in any matches, competitions or events sanctioned or sponsored by Hockey Australia at any level, including the upcoming Hockey One League and FIH Pro League seasons. In addition, Craig will be required to complete a mandatory training and education program as part of his suspension.”
“Craig remains eligible for selection to the 2025 Men's National Ice Hockey Team, with selections expected to be announced at the end of the year. Tom has access to all athlete support services under our program and will continue to receive them during his suspension. His well-being remains our number one priority.”
“The sanctions will come into effect from Monday, September 9, 2024.”
The Australian Olympic Committee said in a statement to Reuters last month that Craig had been released without charge but had received a warning from a French judge after his arrest in Paris.
The incident reportedly took place after Australia's loss to the Netherlands in the quarter-finals of the Olympic men's field hockey competition.
Before his release, the Paris prosecutor's office told the BBC: “On the night of August 6-7, officers witnessed a cocaine deal at the foot of a building in Paris' 9th arrondissement and arrested the seller, who was born in December 2006, and the buyer, who was born in Australia in September 1995 and is said to be a member of the Australian field hockey team.”
“Considering the quantity of drugs seized from the dealer, the investigation has been referred to the Drug Enforcement Agency.”
Following his release, Craig publicly apologized and took “full responsibility” for his actions.
“Firstly, I want to apologize for what happened over the past 24 hours,” Craig said on Aug. 7. “I made a terrible mistake and I take full responsibility for my actions.”
“My actions are my own and do not reflect the values ​​of my family, teammates, friends, sport or the Australian Olympic team. I have embarrassed you all and for that I am truly sorry.”
Craig was part of the Australian national team that won silver at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
(Ahmad Gharabri/AFP via Getty Images)
