Australian field hockey player Tom Craig has been suspended for 12 months after allegedly buying cocaine during the Paris Olympics. Hockey Australia imposed the ban on the 29-year-old following an investigation by its integrity unit. The ban can be reduced to six months if Craig meets certain behavioral requirements.
The suspension means Craig cannot participate in any matches organized by Hockey Australia, but he will still have access to athlete support services. A statement from Hockey Australia said, “The sanction takes effect from Monday, 9 September 2024.”
Craig was released without being charged but received a warning from a French judge after the incident, which occurred after Australia was eliminated from the Olympics by the Netherlands.
In a public apology, Craig took full responsibility for his actions, saying, “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. I’ve embarrassed you all, and I’m truly sorry.”
Craig, who won silver at Tokyo 2020 and gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, remains eligible for selection in the 2025 National Men’s Hockey Squad.
(Ahmad Gharabli/AFP via Getty Images)