Australian hockey player Tom Craig has been handed a 12-month ban following his arrest at the Paris Olympics last month on suspicion of buying cocaine, according to a statement from Hockey Australia.
The 29-year-old will serve at least six months of the suspension, which began on September 9, with the remaining six months suspended contingent upon meeting conduct requirements. Although Craig was released without charge, he received a warning from a French judge after being detained for allegedly attempting to purchase cocaine shortly after Australia’s hockey quarter-final loss.
“Tom will be required to complete mandatory training and education programs as part of his penalty,” Hockey Australia stated. “He will continue to have access to all athlete support services during his suspension, and his well-being remains our top priority.”
Craig is expected to be eligible for selection in the 2025 Australian squad, which will be announced later this year. Following his release, Craig admitted to making a “terrible mistake” and apologized to his family, friends, teammates, and the Australian Olympic team, expressing his deep regret.
Anna Meares, the Chef de Mission of the Australian team in Paris, described Craig as “a good person who made a poor decision.”
Craig, who made his international debut in 2014, has played over 100 matches for Australia. He was a member of the silver medal-winning team at the Tokyo Olympics and scored a hat-trick against England at the 2018 World Cup in India, helping Australia secure the bronze medal.
