Australian Hockey Player Tom Craig Suspended for 12 Months After Paris Incident

FRANCE, Sept 11 (Alliance News): Australian hockey player Tom Craig has been suspended for 12 months by Hockey Australia following an incident at the Paris Olympics where he attempted to purchase cocaine.

The suspension, effective from September 9, includes a mandatory six-month period of full suspension and an additional six months that will be suspended contingent upon meeting conduct and behavioral requirements.

During this period, Craig will be barred from participating in any Hockey Australia-sanctioned events, including the Hockey One League and FIH Pro League seasons.

Hockey Australia stated that Craig would remain eligible for selection to the national team next year and emphasized that the player’s welfare is a priority.

Craig was detained by French police last month for attempting to buy cocaine in central Paris. He was brought before a French judge and released with a criminal warning.

Following his release, Craig publicly apologized, stating, “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, my sport and the Australian Olympic team.”

The 29-year-old, who has over 100 international caps and was part of the Australian team that won silver at the Tokyo Games, faced a disappointing exit as Australia was knocked out in the quarterfinals in Paris.