Olympian Tom Craig has been suspended for 12 months by Hockey Australia (HA) for attempting to buy cocaine at the Paris Olympics.
The HA integrity unit ruled that half of the sanction would be served fully from Sep 9, with the remainder fully suspended. This was provided that Craig met the governing body’s conduct and behavioural requirements.
The ban means that Craig, 29, will be unable to play in any match, tournament or event at any level sanctioned or organised by HA, including the Hockey One League and FIH Pro League.
The Kookaburra, twice an Olympian, will have to complete training and education programmes as part of his ban. He is still eligible for selection in next year’s national men’s hockey squad, set to be announced at the end of this year.
“His welfare remains our priority,” a HA statement said. “Tom has had access to all of the athlete support services under our program and he will continue to do so throughout his suspension.”
Craig spent a night in Paris custody after being arrested for buying a gram of cocaine in the French capital last month after the Kookaburras’s quarter-final defeat at Paris 2024 to eventual champions the Netherlands.
“I made a terrible mistake and I take full responsibility for my actions,” Craig said after being released without charge last month.
“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.”
