Latest news with #TomCraig
The Hindu
09-05-2025
- Sport
- The Hindu
Australian hockey player who tried to buy drugs at Paris Olympics returns from ban
Field hockey player Tom Craig was recalled to the Australian national team on Friday after serving a six-month suspension for trying to buy drugs at the Paris Olympics. The Australian player was stripped of his Olympic privileges when he was arrested in Paris following the side's Games quarterfinal exit last year. He spent the night in a Paris jail after attempting to buy drugs but escaped without a fine or conviction. The 29-year-old Craig was later handed a 12-month suspension by Hockey Australia, of which six were suspended. READ | India women end tour on a high, Navneet Kaur scores only goal against Australia That didn't prevent him from playing overseas. Craig kept his contract in Germany where he pushed for a test recall under new Kookaburras coach Mark Hager. Craig, who has played 142 games for Australia, will remain in Europe ahead of the side's next Pro League legs in Belgium, England and Germany. 'Keeping the gratitude front of mind,' Craig said of his mindset during the suspension. 'I can't really put to words how grateful I am for everyone who's supported me.' Craig won Olympic silver with the team in Tokyo four years ago.
Washington Post
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Washington Post
Australian field hockey player who tried to buy drugs at the Paris Olympics returns from ban
SYDNEY — Field hockey player Tom Craig was recalled to the Australian national team on Friday after serving a six-month suspension for trying to buy drugs at the Paris Olympics. The Australian player was stripped of his Olympic privileges when he was arrested in Paris following the side's Games quarterfinal exit last year. He spent the night in a Paris jail after attempting to buy drugs but escaped without a fine or conviction.
Daily Mail
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Olympian banned after being busted trying to buy drugs in Paris to make shock return for Kookaburras
Tom Craig will pull on the green and gold again next month after completing the behaviour conditions attached to his six-month suspension. The 29-year-old forward was arrested in Montmartre during last year's Paris Games after plain-clothes police saw him trying to buy a gram of cocaine. He spent 18 hours in custody and was released with a probationary warning, but Hockey Australia later imposed a 12-month ban, half of which was suspended. 'He was dishevelled. He was tired. He was hungry. He was stressed,' Savage said. 'My understanding is there was a commotion he may have tried to move away and that was what caused the commotion which is what the players recognised. 'So if it was that he did try to run away it was very, very short lived and very, very quickly brought under control by both the police and Tom realising that it was time to sit down.'. Craig apologised for his actions in Paris last year. 'I take full responsibility for my actions,' he said. 'My actions are my own and by no way reflect the values of family, my teammates, my friends, my sport and the Australian Olympic team.' 'I've embarrassed you all, and I'm truly sorry.' Australian chef de mission Anna Meares said, 'I cannot condone what Tom has done.' 'He is a good person who made a bad decision. But there are consequences that come with decisions like this. 'Our team has been exemplary at these games. And his actions do not reflect the values of this team. Nor do they diminish this team's performances. 'He has apologised, shown remorse, and he has owned up to his mistake, and we will support him if he needs help.' Hockey Australia confirmed that Craig satisfied all integrity conditions, including education modules and regular welfare checks. Craig will headline Mark Hager's 22-man squad for the FIH Pro League swing through Belgium, England and Germany. Australia sit sixth on the ladder, four points adrift of leaders England, with eight matches remaining. The run begins against India in Antwerp on 14 June and continues with stops in London and Berlin. 'It's fantastic to have the experience of Blake, Tom and Lachie back in our side for this tour,' Hager said. 'Blake with his goalscoring capabilities, combined with Tom, who brings speed to our front line, and Lachie's versatility through the middle. 'The biggest bonus for us is having the full squad together again, with the exception of a few who were unavailable for selection due to injury. 'It's the first tour since I've been at the helm where we have the luxury of a near full squad. 'We've had players in the India Hockey League, playing in Europe or being managed through injury, so to have a high percentage of the squad in Europe is a big plus. 'This is a great group, with plenty of speed, particularly through the midfield, along with a lot of experience, but we know we need to hit the ground running when we arrive in Belgium. We have four days to come together to ensure we gel on the pitch from game one.' Proven sharpshooter Blake Govers and industrious midfielder Lachlan Sharp also rejoin the squad after stints overseas. Co-captain Jake Harvie has been ruled out with a groin injury, clearing the path for his younger brother Tom to cement a place. Hockey Australia believes the blend of returning Olympians and emerging talent will provide the spark needed for a late surge.
Japan Today
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Japan Today
Australian field hockey player who tried to buy drugs at the Paris Olympics returns from ban
FILE - Australia's Tom Craig, right, is defended by Argentina's Tomas Domene, center, during the FIH Hockey Pro League mini tournament game between Australia and Argentina at the Wilrijkse Plein in Antwerp, Belgium, Thursday, May 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo, File) Field hockey player Tom Craig was recalled to the Australian national team on Friday after serving a six-month suspension for trying to buy drugs at the Paris Olympics. The Australian player was stripped of his Olympic privileges when he was arrested in Paris following the side's Games quarterfinal exit last year. He spent the night in a Paris jail after attempting to buy drugs but escaped without a fine or conviction. The 29-year-old Craig was later handed a 12-month suspension by Hockey Australia, of which six were suspended. That didn't prevent him from playing overseas. Craig kept his contract in Germany where he pushed for a test recall under new Kookaburras coach Mark Hager. Craig, who has played 142 games for Australia, will remain in Europe ahead of the side's next Pro League legs in Belgium, England and Germany. 'Keeping the gratitude front of mind,' Craig said of his mindset during the suspension. 'I can't really put to words how grateful I am for everyone who's supported me.' Craig won Olympic silver with the team in Tokyo four years ago. © Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
The Advertiser
09-05-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Kooka's 'heartbreaking' exile ends after Games shame
Disgraced Kookaburra Tom Craig will play out his career with gratitude after earning a recall following a "heartbreaking" six-month suspension. The Australian hockey star was stripped of his Olympic privileges when he was arrested in Paris following the side's Games exit last year. He spent the night in a Paris jail after attempting to buy drugs but escaped without a fine or conviction. The 29-year-old was later handed a 12-month suspension by Hockey Australia, of which six were suspended. That didn't preclude him from playing overseas, Craig keeping his contract in Germany where he has pushed for a Test recall under new Kookaburras coach Mark Hager. With his suspension served, that came on Friday in a squad that also includes the experienced Blake Govers, Lachlan Sharp and fit-again striker Joel Rintala. Craig, who has played 142 games for Australia, will remain in Europe ahead of the side's next Pro League legs in Belgium, England and Germany from June 14. "Keeping the gratitude front of mind," Craig said of his mindset. "I can't really put to words how grateful I am for everyone who's supported me. "It's going to feel amazing. "I wasn't sure if it was going to happen and fortunately it has, so I really can't wait to get out there." Craig, who won Olympic silver with the team in Tokyo four years ago, was banished from the side's Pro League legs in Argentina and his Sydney home. "Sitting there watching the boys play in Sydney ... completely new squad, kind of equal parts heartbreaking I couldn't be out there but exhilarating about what the next four years is going to hold," he said. "One of my favourite memories playing hockey in general was my 100th (game for Australia) in Sydney. "It was pretty challenging to miss those games." The Kookaburras' quarter-final exit in Paris was the end of an era, with veterans Eddie Ockenden, Aran Zalewski, Jake Whetton, Matt Dawson and goalkeeper Andrew Charter all retiring and coach Colin Batch stepping down. "It brings a totally different flavour," Craig said of Hager's arrival and the new-look squad. "Four years (until the Los Angeles Games) is a long cycle and we're young in this cycle and all committed to learning as much as we can ... about a new way of play and who the Kookaburras are going to be." Rintala burst onto the Test scene with a first-half hat-trick among six goals in his first four games. But constant injuries kept him out of the Olympic squad and off the field until last week's unofficial Tests against Malaysia. "I'm so keen to get to Europe and have a good crack," the drag-flick specialist said. "I feel like I've been watching training for a long time now ... it's been frustrating, but I do it because I just love playing hockey." Australia, who won the last Pro League before the Paris Games, will play India, Ireland, England and Germany in the eight-game tour. KOOKABURRAS: Davis Atkin, Josh Beltz, Hayden Beltz, Tim Brand, Cooper Burns, Tom Craig, James Collins, Nathan Czinner, Nathan Ephraums, Blake Govers, Anand Gupte, Tom Harvie, Jeremy Hayward, Liam Henderson, Tim Howard, Craig Marais, Joel Rintala, Lachlan Sharp, Jed Snowden (gk), Ash Thomas (gk), Jack Welch, Ky Willott. Disgraced Kookaburra Tom Craig will play out his career with gratitude after earning a recall following a "heartbreaking" six-month suspension. The Australian hockey star was stripped of his Olympic privileges when he was arrested in Paris following the side's Games exit last year. He spent the night in a Paris jail after attempting to buy drugs but escaped without a fine or conviction. The 29-year-old was later handed a 12-month suspension by Hockey Australia, of which six were suspended. That didn't preclude him from playing overseas, Craig keeping his contract in Germany where he has pushed for a Test recall under new Kookaburras coach Mark Hager. With his suspension served, that came on Friday in a squad that also includes the experienced Blake Govers, Lachlan Sharp and fit-again striker Joel Rintala. Craig, who has played 142 games for Australia, will remain in Europe ahead of the side's next Pro League legs in Belgium, England and Germany from June 14. "Keeping the gratitude front of mind," Craig said of his mindset. "I can't really put to words how grateful I am for everyone who's supported me. "It's going to feel amazing. "I wasn't sure if it was going to happen and fortunately it has, so I really can't wait to get out there." Craig, who won Olympic silver with the team in Tokyo four years ago, was banished from the side's Pro League legs in Argentina and his Sydney home. "Sitting there watching the boys play in Sydney ... completely new squad, kind of equal parts heartbreaking I couldn't be out there but exhilarating about what the next four years is going to hold," he said. "One of my favourite memories playing hockey in general was my 100th (game for Australia) in Sydney. "It was pretty challenging to miss those games." The Kookaburras' quarter-final exit in Paris was the end of an era, with veterans Eddie Ockenden, Aran Zalewski, Jake Whetton, Matt Dawson and goalkeeper Andrew Charter all retiring and coach Colin Batch stepping down. "It brings a totally different flavour," Craig said of Hager's arrival and the new-look squad. "Four years (until the Los Angeles Games) is a long cycle and we're young in this cycle and all committed to learning as much as we can ... about a new way of play and who the Kookaburras are going to be." Rintala burst onto the Test scene with a first-half hat-trick among six goals in his first four games. But constant injuries kept him out of the Olympic squad and off the field until last week's unofficial Tests against Malaysia. "I'm so keen to get to Europe and have a good crack," the drag-flick specialist said. "I feel like I've been watching training for a long time now ... it's been frustrating, but I do it because I just love playing hockey." Australia, who won the last Pro League before the Paris Games, will play India, Ireland, England and Germany in the eight-game tour. KOOKABURRAS: Davis Atkin, Josh Beltz, Hayden Beltz, Tim Brand, Cooper Burns, Tom Craig, James Collins, Nathan Czinner, Nathan Ephraums, Blake Govers, Anand Gupte, Tom Harvie, Jeremy Hayward, Liam Henderson, Tim Howard, Craig Marais, Joel Rintala, Lachlan Sharp, Jed Snowden (gk), Ash Thomas (gk), Jack Welch, Ky Willott. Disgraced Kookaburra Tom Craig will play out his career with gratitude after earning a recall following a "heartbreaking" six-month suspension. The Australian hockey star was stripped of his Olympic privileges when he was arrested in Paris following the side's Games exit last year. He spent the night in a Paris jail after attempting to buy drugs but escaped without a fine or conviction. The 29-year-old was later handed a 12-month suspension by Hockey Australia, of which six were suspended. That didn't preclude him from playing overseas, Craig keeping his contract in Germany where he has pushed for a Test recall under new Kookaburras coach Mark Hager. With his suspension served, that came on Friday in a squad that also includes the experienced Blake Govers, Lachlan Sharp and fit-again striker Joel Rintala. Craig, who has played 142 games for Australia, will remain in Europe ahead of the side's next Pro League legs in Belgium, England and Germany from June 14. "Keeping the gratitude front of mind," Craig said of his mindset. "I can't really put to words how grateful I am for everyone who's supported me. "It's going to feel amazing. "I wasn't sure if it was going to happen and fortunately it has, so I really can't wait to get out there." Craig, who won Olympic silver with the team in Tokyo four years ago, was banished from the side's Pro League legs in Argentina and his Sydney home. "Sitting there watching the boys play in Sydney ... completely new squad, kind of equal parts heartbreaking I couldn't be out there but exhilarating about what the next four years is going to hold," he said. "One of my favourite memories playing hockey in general was my 100th (game for Australia) in Sydney. "It was pretty challenging to miss those games." The Kookaburras' quarter-final exit in Paris was the end of an era, with veterans Eddie Ockenden, Aran Zalewski, Jake Whetton, Matt Dawson and goalkeeper Andrew Charter all retiring and coach Colin Batch stepping down. "It brings a totally different flavour," Craig said of Hager's arrival and the new-look squad. "Four years (until the Los Angeles Games) is a long cycle and we're young in this cycle and all committed to learning as much as we can ... about a new way of play and who the Kookaburras are going to be." Rintala burst onto the Test scene with a first-half hat-trick among six goals in his first four games. But constant injuries kept him out of the Olympic squad and off the field until last week's unofficial Tests against Malaysia. "I'm so keen to get to Europe and have a good crack," the drag-flick specialist said. "I feel like I've been watching training for a long time now ... it's been frustrating, but I do it because I just love playing hockey." Australia, who won the last Pro League before the Paris Games, will play India, Ireland, England and Germany in the eight-game tour. KOOKABURRAS: Davis Atkin, Josh Beltz, Hayden Beltz, Tim Brand, Cooper Burns, Tom Craig, James Collins, Nathan Czinner, Nathan Ephraums, Blake Govers, Anand Gupte, Tom Harvie, Jeremy Hayward, Liam Henderson, Tim Howard, Craig Marais, Joel Rintala, Lachlan Sharp, Jed Snowden (gk), Ash Thomas (gk), Jack Welch, Ky Willott.
