Olympic Games 2024: Australian hockey ace Tom Craig apologises following arrest

Australian men’s hockey star Tom Craig has apologised for a “terrible mistake” after he was arrested for buying cocaine on Tuesday night.

Looking remorseful, Craig fronted the media in central Paris late Wednesday after spending the night in custody, released by police with a warning and escaping without a fine or criminal record.

“I would firstly like to apologise for what has occurred over the last 24 hours,” said the 28-year-old, a 10-year team veteran who was part of the Kookaburras’ Olympic silver medal campaign in Tokyo.

“I made a terrible mistake and I take full responsibility for my actions.

“My actions are my own and by no way reflect the values of my family, my teammates, my friends, the sport and the Australian Olympic team.

“I have embarrassed you all and I’m truly sorry.”

An Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) official ushered Craig away after his statement without taking questions.

The AOC earlier released a statement confirming an athlete’s arrest and said it would arrange support.

It hasn’t been revealed if Craig will be removed from the Olympic team in Paris.

Both Australia’s hockey teams were eliminated from competition at the quarter-final stage before attending a function at their hotel on Tuesday.

The Kookaburras lost 2-0 to Netherlands on Sunday while the women’s team, the Hockeyroos, fell to China 3-2 on Monday.

The Paris Public Prosecutor’s office confirmed the arrest, saying the Australian hockey player was arrested after officers witnessed an attempt to purchase cocaine in the 9th arrondissement.

“Police officers who witnessed a cocaine transaction at the foot of a building in the 9th arrondissement, on the night of August 6 to 7, arrested the seller, born in December 2006, and the buyer, born in September 1995 in Australia and who is said to be a member of the Australian field hockey team,” a spokesperson said.

“With regard to the quantities of narcotics seized from the seller, the investigations have been entrusted to the Narcotics Squad. Both people are in police custody.”