Kookaburras participant Tom Craig has been hit with a 12-month ban from Hockey Australia following his arrest on the Paris 2024 Olympic Video games.
Craig was arrested by French police after they witnessed him making an attempt to buy cocaine within the ninth arrondissement of Paris following the Kookaburras’ quarterfinal defeat to eventual champions the Netherlands.
He was launched with out being charged, having been issued with a warning.
The 29-year-old won’t be allowed to play in any Hockey Australia-sanctioned competitors, together with the home Hockey One league season, the place he had performed for New South Wales Satisfaction, and the worldwide Professional League.
Tom Craig performed all six video games for the Kookaburras in Paris. (Getty Photos)
It’s not clear whether or not Craig will play within the Euro Hockey League, the place he’s contracted with Hamburger, primarily based in Hamburg, Germany.
He will probably be eligible to be chosen for the sixth-ranked Kookaburras in 2025, with the squad anticipated to be named by the tip of the yr.
Hockey Australia stated in a press release that six months of the ban will probably be served absolutely, with six months suspended “contingent upon assembly conduct and behavioural necessities”.
Craig apologised for what he referred to as “a horrible mistake” upon being launched from police custody, the day after he was arrested.
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“I take full accountability for my actions,” Craig stated in Paris.
“My actions are my very own and by no method mirror the values of household, my teammates, my buddies, my sport and the Australian Olympic staff.
“I’ve embarrassed you all, and I am really sorry.”
Hockey Australia stated Craig’s welfare “stays our precedence” and he’ll proceed to have entry to athlete assist companies throughout his suspension.
Craig performed all six matches for Australia on the Olympic Video games, scoring as soon as within the 3-2 pool stage defeat to India.
He gained a silver medal on the Tokyo Olympics with the Kookaburras and has performed 142 video games for his nation.
In Paris, Australia’s chef de mission Anna Meares stated Craig was a “good one who made a foul resolution” and stripped him of his Olympic privileges.
Hockey Australia and Craig stated there could be no additional remark.
