An Australian Olympic field hockey player was arrested overnight in a cocaine bust, authorities said.
Thomas Craig, 28, apologized Wednesday morning after being released from custody, Australian outlet 7News reported.
“I’ve made a terrible mistake, and I take full responsibility for my actions. My actions are my own and by no way reflect the values of my family, my teammates, my friends, my sport and the Australian Olympic team,” he said. “I’ve embarrassed you all. I’m truly sorry.”
Paris cops witnessed Craig purchasing one gram of cocaine from a 17-year-old dealer on the city streets overnight, according to authorities. Craig and the teen were both arrested, and a photo obtained by 7News showed Craig cuffed and seated on the ground.
However, Craig escaped with a warning, Australian outlet 9News reported. He was released hours after his arrest.
“At the end of his police custody, the hockey player was presented to a delegate of the prosecutor for notification of a probationary criminal warning for drug use,” French prosecutors told the outlet.
The teenage dealer was carrying 75 ecstasy pills and seven vials of cocaine, police told French media outlets.
Australia’s men’s field hockey team was eliminated in the quarterfinals on Sunday with a 2-0 loss to the Netherlands. The women’s team was eliminated at the same stage on Monday when they lost 3-0 to China, and the Australian field hockey delegation attended an event together Tuesday night, according to the Guardian.
Craig was a veteran member of the Australian field hockey squad, winning a silver medal with the team in Tokyo in 2021. Both teams were disappointed with their quarterfinal results at this year’s Games.
With News Wire Services
