Paris Olympics: Australian Olympic hockey player Thomas Craig was arrested in Paris on Tuesday night for possession of cocaine. The 28-year-old silver medalist, with over 100 caps for the national team, was released from custody on Wednesday.
Australian Hockey star Thomas Craig released after being arrested for Cocaine possession
Craig issued a public apology, expressing deep regret for his actions and acknowledging the negative impact on his family, teammates, and the Australian Olympic team. The incident occurred after the Kookaburras were eliminated from the Olympic tournament in the quarterfinals by the Netherlands on Sunday.
"I'd firstly like to apologise for what has occurred in the last 24 hours. I made a terrible mistake. I take full responsibility for my actions," Craig said as he left police offices, as quoted by Reuters.
"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 team. I've embarrassed you all. I'm truly sorry," he added.
Craig Receives Warning, Loses Olympic Privileges
A spokesperson for the Australian team, Dominic Sullivan, confirmed that Thomas Craig received a warning from French authorities and was subsequently released without facing any charges. The Australian National Olympic Committee (ANOC) also verified the issuance of a warning by a French judge.
Australia's Chef de Mission, Anna Meares, strongly condemned Craig's actions, stating that he would be stripped of all remaining Olympic privileges. As a result, Craig will not be allowed to attend the closing ceremony, a decision that aligns with the ANOC's stance on the matter.
"I cannot condone what Tom has done. He is a good person who made a bad decision. But there are consequences for decisions like this," Australia's Chef de Mission Anna Meares said in the statement.
"As a result, Tom will lose all his remaining Olympic privileges. He had already moved out of the Olympic Village, and I understand he was not intending to return for the Closing Ceremony. If he were, he would not be able to attend. Our team has been exemplary at these Games and his actions do not reflect the values of the team nor does it diminish this team's performance," the statement added.
No Immediate Response from International Hockey Federation
The Paris prosecutor's office confirmed the detention of an Australian athlete for cocaine possession, but the International Hockey Federation, the sport's governing body, has yet to issue a statement on the matter.
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