By Tim Rose
Serena Seyfort
Jorge Branco
Adam Vidler
Tom Craig Arrested for Drug Purchase in Paris
Australian hockey player Tom Craig has found himself at the center of controversy after being arrested in Paris for purchasing cocaine. The 28-year-old, who plays for the Kookaburras, was detained by local authorities in the city’s Ninth Arrondissement after attempting to buy cocaine following a “family and friends” gathering with fellow teammates.
The arrest comes just days after the Australian men’s and women’s hockey teams concluded their Olympic campaigns, which saw both teams eliminated in the quarter-finals.
A photo surfaced on social media showing Craig handcuffed and seated on the pavement following the incident, which has now overshadowed Australia’s achievements at the Games.
Apology and Consequences
After being released from police custody, Craig made a brief public statement, taking full responsibility for his actions. “I made a terrible mistake, and I take full responsibility for my actions,” he said. “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. I’m truly sorry.”
Chef de mission Anna Meares addressed the incident, stating that Craig would face significant consequences for his actions, including losing all his Olympic privileges. “There are consequences that come with decisions like this,” Meares said, adding that while Craig would receive the team’s support, he would be moving out of the athlete’s village and would not be attending the Olympic closing ceremony.
Meares emphasized that Craig’s actions were outside the team environment and did not reflect the values of the Australian Olympic team.
Hockey Australia’s Response
Hockey Australia expressed its disappointment in Craig’s actions but underscored its primary concern for his well-being. Bernard Savage, the high-performance director of Hockey Australia, said a small group of players had gone to the police station to check on Craig after his arrest. He praised the French authorities for treating Craig with respect during the ordeal.
“It’s our understanding that they treated Tom very, very well, very respectfully, and clearly understood the circumstances and the situation in which Tom found himself,” said Savage.
Legal Details of the Arrest
The Paris Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that Craig had been given a probationary criminal warning for drug use. According to reports, Craig was arrested after attempting to buy cocaine from a seller who was later found to be in possession of drugs, including cocaine and ecstasy. The seller, a 2006-born individual, was arrested alongside Craig.
The arrest occurred on the night of August 6–7, in one of Paris’s trendy neighborhoods, known for its theaters and shopping. French police had been monitoring the situation as part of an ongoing investigation into drug-related activities in the area.
A Rocky Road Ahead
Craig, who has played over 100 matches for the Australian men’s hockey team, now faces significant fallout from this incident. He has already been removed from the athlete’s village and will not participate in the closing ceremony. His actions have cast a shadow over Australia’s Olympic campaign, but Anna Meares has emphasized that the team’s accomplishments remain exemplary.
Craig’s arrest marks a disappointing chapter in his career and his association with the Australian Olympic team, and it’s clear that the consequences of his actions will be far-reaching. His loss of Olympic privileges serves as a stark reminder of the responsibility athletes have both on and off the field.
