Australian hockey star Tom Craig has been dealt a significant setback in his career after receiving a 12-month ban from Hockey Australia. The ban, which commenced on Monday, stems from Craig’s arrest in Paris during the recent Olympics for purchasing cocaine.
Hockey Australia’s integrity unit conducted a thorough investigation into the incident, leading to the imposed suspension. The ban includes six months of full suspension, with the remaining six months conditional upon Craig meeting specific conduct and behavioral standards. He is also required to complete mandatory training and education programs.
Despite the ban, Craig’s hockey career is not over. He remains eligible for selection for the 2025 national squad, which will be announced later this year. Hockey Australia clarified that while he is barred from competition during the suspension period, his future in the sport remains open.
Following his release from police custody, Craig expressed deep remorse for his actions, apologizing to his family, teammates, and the hockey community. He promptly moved out of the athletes’ village in Paris after the incident occurred.
Hockey Australia emphasized its unwavering commitment to maintaining high standards of integrity and conduct for all players. The organization recognizes the seriousness of the offense and the need to uphold the values of fair play and sportsmanship.
Tom Craig, a veteran of over 100 international caps, holds a silver medal from the Tokyo Olympics. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of personal responsibility and adherence to the rules and regulations that govern professional sports.
