In a recent incident at the Paris Olympics, Australian field hockey player Tom Craig has been handed a 12-month suspension by Hockey Australia for his attempt to buy cocaine during the event. Craig, a 29-year-old silver medalist from the Tokyo Olympics, was arrested in Paris on Aug. 7 for trying to purchase the drug while out after his Olympic run came to an end. Following his arrest, he was released without charges but faced scrutiny from both Australian and French media.
Hockey Australia’s Integrity Unit released a statement on Wednesday announcing the suspension, indicating that six months of the penalty will be served outright, with the remaining half being conditionally suspended based on Craig meeting specific behavioral standards. Despite the suspension, Craig will still be considered for selection in the national men’s hockey squad for 2025, with the team’s lineup set to be disclosed by the year’s end.
The Australian men’s hockey team, in which Craig actively participated, finished in sixth place at the Paris Olympics. This incident serves as a reminder of the strict rules and consequences athletes are subjected to regarding their behavior both during and outside of sporting events.