Paris 2024 Olympics: French police release Australian hockey player caught buying drugs

The Australian men’s team, known as the Kookaburras, were knocked out of the Paris 2024 Olympics on Sunday in the quarterfinal by the Netherlands.

Published : Aug 08, 2024 11:15 IST , Paris - 1 MIN READ

FILE PHOTO: Australia’s Tom Craig (right)
FILE PHOTO: Australia’s Tom Craig (right) | Photo Credit: PTI
infoIcon

FILE PHOTO: Australia’s Tom Craig (right) | Photo Credit: PTI

Australia’s Olympic hockey player Tom Craig was released from police custody and apologised to his family and teammates on Wednesday, after being arrested in Paris for buying cocaine.

Craig, 28, a silver medallist at the Tokyo Olympics three years ago, has played more than 100 games for the national side. The men’s team, known as the Kookaburras, were knocked out of the Paris 2024 Olympics on Sunday in the quarterfinal by the Netherlands.

“I’d firstly like to apologise for what has occurred in the last 24 hours. I made a terrible mistake. I take full responsibility for my actions,” Craig said as he left the police office.

“My actions are my own and in no way, reflect the values of my family, my teammates, my friends, my sport, and the Australian Olympic team. I’ve embarrassed you all. I’m truly sorry,” he added.

ALSO READ | Paris Olympics 2024: Boxer Khyzhniak wins Ukraine’s third gold of Games

Police issued Craig with a warning, said Dominic Sullivan, spokesperson for the Australian team. French media cited police sources as saying Craig had bought about one gram of cocaine.

There was no immediate comment from the International Hockey Federation, the sport’s global governing body.

Earlier, the Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed that an Australian athlete had been detained for buying cocaine.

“Police officers who witnessed a cocaine transaction at the foot of a building in the ninth arrondissement (of Paris), on the night of August 6 to 7, arrested the seller, born in December 2006, and the buyer, born in September 1995 in Australia,” prosecutors said.

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment