Tom Craig, an Australian hockey player, has been suspended for 12 months after being arrested at the Paris Olympics last month on suspicion of buying cocaine, Hockey Australia announced Wednesday.
Craig will serve at least half of the penalty, which began on September 9, with the remaining six months suspended if the player meets the conduct conditions, according to a Hockey Australia statement.
The 29-year-old was released without charge, but a judge issued him a warning after French police stopped him for allegedly attempting to purchase cocaine in Paris days after Australia’s hockey quarterfinal loss at the Games.
“Craig is required to complete mandatory training and education programs as part of his sanction,” said the statement.
“Tom has had access to all of the athlete support services under our program and he will continue to do so throughout his suspension. His welfare remains our priority.”
Craig will be eligible for the 2025 Australia squad, which will be announced at the end of the year.
Craig admitted he had “made a terrible mistake” following his release from custody and apologised to his family, friends, team-mates and the Australia Olympic team.
“I have embarrassed you all and am truly sorry,” he said.
Craig, according to Anna Meares, the Chef de Mission of the Australian team in Paris, was “a good person who made a bad decision”.
Craig made his international debut in 2014 and has played over 100 games for Australia. He was a member of the silver medal-winning team from the Tokyo Olympics three years ago.
He scored a hat-trick against England in the 2018 World Cup in India, helping Australia win bronze.