Paris — Kookaburra Tom Craig has been released after spending the night in custody following the hockey Olympian’s arrested for buying cocaine in Paris.
Australian star Craig, 28, was arrested on Tuesday night in the 9th arrondissement area after a team function in the French capital.
“I’d firstly like to apologise for what has occurred over the past 24 hours. I made a terrible mistake and I take full responsibility for my actions,” he said in a short statement outside a Paris police station on Wednesday.
“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 Committee. I’ve embarrassed you all and I’m truly sorry.”
Craig last played for Australia on Sunday in the Netherlands defeat at the last eight stages. He was released with no prosecution or fine.
The Tokyo silver medallist – Craig’s girlfriend is Hockeyroo Alice Arnott – was arrested after reportedly caught in possession of one gram of cocaine.
Photos in the media showed Craig sitting on the floor after his arrest. Reports also stated that he was arrested 15 minutes after leaving the function.
The Hockey Paper has contacted Hockey Australia for comment.
The Paris Public Prosecutor’s office said: “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.”
The news is a blow for Australian men’s hockey after the team exited the Paris competition without a medal for the second time in three Olympics – and only the second time since 1984.
Prior to the Olympics, former and present Kookaburras had spoken up about the lack of sponsorship for a men’s team which has garnered multiple success over the years.
Kookaburra Sport inked a deal ahead of the London Pro League games.
