Australia hockey player banned after cocaine bust at Olympic Paris Games

Tom Craig, a 29-year-old Australian Olympic hockey player, has received a 12-month ban, with six months of that suspension being deferred, following his arrest in Paris for purchasing cocaine during the Olympic Games.

Hockey Australia (HA), the governing body, announced that Craig's suspension commenced on Monday, subsequent to an investigation conducted by its integrity unit regarding his arrest last month.

HA stated, "Six months of this suspension will be served in full, while the remaining six months will be suspended, contingent upon adherence to conduct and behavioral standards."

Furthermore, Craig is mandated to participate in compulsory training and educational programs, as indicated by the governing body.

Despite the competition ban, HA confirmed that Craig remains eligible for selection for the national squad for 2025, which is anticipated to be announced by the end of this year.

After being released from police custody in Paris with a warning, Craig expressed his apologies to his family and teammates and subsequently vacated the athletes' village.

The 29-year-old has represented Australia in over 100 matches and was part of the team that secured a silver medal in men's hockey at the Tokyo Olympics.