olympics-en : Australian Olympic Field Hockey Player Apologizes for Trying to Buy Cocaine at Paris 2024 Summer Olympics

Icaro
Game Recaps
07/08/2024 21h17

Australian Olympic field hockey player Tom Craig issued an apology on Wednesday following his arrest for attempting to purchase cocaine after his team’s elimination from the Paris Games. The 28-year-old, a silver medalist from the Tokyo Olympics, faced the Australian media in Paris after being given a criminal warning by French prosecutors and spending a night in custody.

"I would firstly like to apologize for what has occurred over the last 24 hours," Craig stated, acknowledging his behavior as a "terrible mistake" and taking full responsibility for his actions. He emphasized that his actions were his own and did not reflect the values of his family, teammates, friends, sport, or the Australian Olympic team.

The Australian Olympic Committee, led by Anna Meares, responded by revoking Craig's Olympic privileges and relocating him out of the athletes' village. Meares voiced her disapproval of Craig's actions but also acknowledged his remorse and commitment to accepting the consequences of his behavior.

Despite the unfortunate event involving Craig, Australia achieved a national record of 18 gold medals at the Paris Games. The prosecutor's office clarified that the drug transaction in which Craig was involved took place in the 9th arrondissement of Paris and is currently under investigation by a police anti-drug unit.

Both the 17-year-old alleged seller and Craig received a criminal warning under French law, an alternative to prosecution extended to first-time offenders on the condition of admitting guilt and refraining from further criminal activities for two years. The International Hockey Federation (FIH) declined to comment on the incident.

Australia's men's and women's field hockey teams were eliminated in the quarterfinals at the Paris Olympics, marking the end of their campaign in the tournament. The situation involving Craig has stirred a range of reactions on social media, with some expressing disappointment and others highlighting the context of the incident post-elimination.

For further coverage of the 2024 Paris Olympics, visit [AP News](https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games).

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This article provides information regarding Australian Olympic field hockey player Tom Craig's apology after his arrest for attempting to buy cocaine at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics. The article covers his apology, the Australian Olympic Committee's response, the outcome of the incident, and reactions from the sporting community and social media.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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