The country’s sports governing body in Australia punished the country’s hockey player Tom Craig for one year after he attempted to buy cocaine during the Olympics in Paris.
Hockey Australia said in a released statement that Craig needed to complete “mandatory training and education programs.” The suspension took immediate effect from September 9.
“The last six months of this suspension will be fully suspended pending the conditions regarding conduct and behaviour,” it said. “The first six months of this suspension will be fully served.”
“Craig will not be eligible to play in any Hockey Australia-sanctioned or -organized game, tournament, or event during the term of suspension including but not limited to the forthcoming Hockey One League and FIH Pro League seasons.”
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Hockey Australia cleared Craig’s eligibility to play for the national team in 2019 and said the player’s well-being “remains our priority.”
CNN has contacted Craig through Hockey Australia to comment on the decision.
He was arrested by French police last month after attempting to buy cocaine in central Paris. Authorities in Paris told CNN then that the man had been before a French court and had received a criminal caution before being released.
After being released from the Paris police station, Craig said, “I’d like to apologize for what has happened over the last 24 hours.”
“I own my dreadful mistake and take full responsibility for what I have done. My actions are entirely personal and do not represent my friends, family, sport, or the Australian Olympic team.
“You are all embarrassed and for that I’m truly sorry.”
Having represented over 100 games for the national team, the 29-year-old is an pretty accomplished squad member. He described the Tokyo Games squad that won the silver medal. In Paris, Australia lost in the quarterfinals.
