It was a ‘terrible mistake’
An Olympic athlete who was arrested on suspicion of buying cocaine in Paris, has broken his silence on the ‘terrible mistake’ that led to his arrest.
On Wednesday, French media outlet Europe 1 reported that Australian hockey player had allegedly been caught trying to purchase cocaine in the French capital.
It was reported that the athlete had been taken into custody by police but he has since been let off with a warning.
The Australian Olympic Committee confirmed the reports and revealed the player in question was men’s team player Tom Craig, 28.
A statement read: “The Australian Olympic Committee has confirmed an Australian hockey team member is in custody after being arrested in Paris on August 6th.
“No charges have been laid. The AOC is continuing to make enquiries and arrange support for the team member.”
Now Craig has issued his own statement on the situation, apologising for his actions.
He said: “I’d firstly like to apologise for what has occurred over the past 24 hours. I made a terrible mistake and I take full responsibility for my actions.
“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 Committee. I’ve embarrassed you all and I’m truly sorry.”
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According to Europe 1 reporter Jean-Baptiste Marty, who broke the original story, French police arrested Craig in Paris’ 9th arrondissement.
He wrote in a post on X that the seller had also been arrested.
Craig had allegedly been caught trying to buy the drugs 15 minutes after attending a team function with fellow Australian hockey players on Tuesday night.
Australia’s chef de mission Anna Meares said that Craig was a ‘good person who made a bad decision’ and added that the Australian Olympic Committee would support him if he needed help.
The Australian men’s hockey side were knocked out in the quarter finals of the Olympic tournament. Craig has now left the Olympic village and been banned from attending the closing ceremony on Sunday.
