By Michael Doyle, ABC
Australia's Tom Craig in action during a hockey pool game between Australia and Belgium. Photo: DIRK WAEM / BELGA MAG / Belga via AFP
Australian hockey player Tom Craig has been arrested after allegedly trying to purchase cocaine in Paris.
Paris public prosecutor's office confirmed a 28-year-old Australian was arrested on Tuesday evening, local time, after allegedly being seen by police attempting to buy the illicit substance.
No charges have been laid.
"I'd firstly like to apologise for what has occurred over the past 24 hours. I made a terrible mistake, and I take full responsibility for my actions," Craig said outside a Paris police station.
"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."
The Australian Olympic Committee earlier said the Australian in custody was a member of the hockey team.
"The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) has confirmed an Australian hockey team member is in custody after being arrested in Paris on August 6," the AOC said in a statement.
"No charges have been laid. The AOC is continuing to make enquiries and arrange support for the team member."
The Paris prosecutor's office said the Australian was arrested after officers witnessed an attempt to purchase cocaine in the 9th arrondissement.
"Police officers who witnessed a cocaine transaction at the foot of a building in the 9th arrondissement, on the night of August 6 to 7, arrested the seller, born in December 2006, and the buyer, born in September 1995 in Australia and said to be a member of the Australian field hockey team."
The Australian men's hockey team, the Kookaburras, were knocked out of the Olympics after a loss to the Netherlands in a quarterfinal on Sunday.
The 28-year-old Craig, a silver medallist at the Tokyo Olympics three years ago, has played more than 100 games for the national side.
ABC Sport has contacted Hockey Australia for comment.
- ABC
