Olympian arrested for trying buy cocaine released with warning
Tom Craig, the Australian Olympic hockey player who was arrested in Paris after trying to buy cocaine shortly after his team were eliminated in the quarterfinals, has apologized for his “terrible mistake.”
“I would firstly like to apologize for what has occurred over the last 24 hours,” the 28 year old said, according to the Australian Associated Press. “I made a terrible mistake and I take full responsibility for my own actions.”
“My actions are my own and by no way reflect the values of my family, my teammates, my friends, the sport and the Australian Olympic team. I have embarrassed you all and I’m truly sorry.” he continued.
Craig was released from custody without charge but received a criminal warning, according to a statement shared with Newsweek by the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC).
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AOC spokeswoman Anna Meares said, “I am glad the matter has been resolved and that Tom has been released.”
The Paris Public Prosecutor’s office revealed that officers had witnessed the “cocaine transaction” and subsequently the buyer, Craig, and the 17-year-old drug seller were arrested. Reportedly, the seller was found with a significant quantity of narcotics, including 75 ecstasy pills, 3 grams of 2-MMC, and seven vials of cocaine.
The penalty for possession of cocaine in France can be an on-the-spot fine of an approximated $163.79.
“I cannot condone what Tom has done,” Meares told Newsweek. “He is a good person who made a bad decision. But there are consequences for decisions like this.”
Meares confirmed that Craig will lose his Olympic privileges and has moved out of the Olympic Village. He will not attend the Olympic Closing Ceremony.
“He has apologized, shown remorse, he has owned up to his mistake, and we will support him if he needs help,” she said.
“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,” added Meares.
Craig plays for the Australian men’s hockey team, which is nicknamed the Kookaburras. He has made over 100 appearances for the team and won a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in 2018.
The Olympics in Paris have been hit by several controversies. Tennis star Serena Williams caused a stir online after she said a restaurant in the city refused her entry.
The restaurant apologized, saying it was fully booked at the time.
And on Monday, Paraguayan swimmer Luana Alonso denied she was asked to leave the Olympic Village after creating an “inappropriate atmosphere.”
No further information was given on what the alleged behavior was, with Alonso seemingly then returning to the U.S., where she is studying at university.
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