PARIS (AP) — Australian Olympic field hockey player Tom Craig issued an apology on Wednesday for his "terrible mistake" after being arrested for attempting to buy cocaine during a night out following his team’s elimination from the Paris Games.
Craig addressed the Australian media in Paris after French prosecutors confirmed that the 28-year-old athlete, a silver medalist from the Tokyo Olympics three years ago, received a criminal warning and was released after spending a night in custody.
"I want to apologize for what has transpired in the last 24 hours," Craig said, as reported by the Australian Associated Press. "I made a grave mistake and take full responsibility for my actions. My behavior does not reflect the values of my family, teammates, friends, the sport, or the Australian Olympic team. I have embarrassed everyone involved, and I am truly sorry."
Following his statement, Craig was escorted away by an Australian Olympic Committee official without answering questions.
The Australian Olympic Committee later announced that Craig had lost his Olympic privileges and been removed from the athletes’ village. Anna Meares, the team leader for the 2024 Games, stated, "I cannot condone what Tom has done. He is a good person who made a poor decision, but there are consequences for such actions. He has apologized, shown remorse, and acknowledged his mistake. We will support him if he seeks help."
Craig's arrest cast a shadow over the day Australia achieved its 18th gold medal at the Paris Games, setting a national record.
According to the prosecutor's office, police intercepted the drug transaction outside a building in Paris's 9th arrondissement overnight from Tuesday to Wednesday. The case has been handed over to a police anti-drug unit for further investigation, and the alleged seller, a 17-year-old, was also taken into custody.
In France, a criminal warning serves as an alternative to prosecution for first-time offenders who admit their guilt and avoid further offenses within two years. No fine was imposed.
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) declined to comment. Australia’s men’s and women’s field hockey teams were eliminated in the quarterfinals over the past weekend.
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