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Australia’s field hockey player, Tom Craig has been handed 12-month ban by the sport's governing body in Australia after he was caught purchasing drug during the 2024 Paris Olympic Games in August. However, the Kookaburras player was taken into arrest during the Games but was released with a warning.
The incident took place in Paris on Tuesday night, August 6, after the Australia men’s hockey team were eliminated from the Summer Games. An AOC spokesperson was quoted as saying, “The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) has confirmed an Australian hockey team member is in custody after being arrested in Paris on August 6th. No charges have been laid. The AOC is continuing to make enquiries and arrange support for the team member.”
Criag’s ban to start from September 9
Although the player was found red-handed following the cocaine bust in the French capital, he will begin his suspension period of one year from September 9. Craig will serve at least half the ban, with remaining six months to be suspended if the player meets conduct requirements, as per the Hockey Australia’s guidelines.
“Following an investigation into the arrest involving national hockey team athlete Tom Craig at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, Hockey Australia’s Integrity Unit has imposed a 12-month suspension,” the Hockey Australia statement read. “Six months of this suspension will be served fully, with the remaining six months fully suspended, contingent upon meeting conduct and behavioural requirements,” the statement further added.
Although Craig will be eligible for the 2025 Australian squad, which is set to be announced later this year, he also admitted to the offence. “I have embarrassed you all and am truly sorry,” he said after his release from the custody. Moreover, Anna Meares, the Chef de Mission of the Australian team at the Paris Olympics also addressed that Criag was “a good person who made a bad decision”.
