Australian Olympic chef de mission Anna Meares is adamant Kookaburras star Tom Craig was acting alone when he was allegedly caught trying to buy cocaine by French police.
The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) confirmed hockey player was arrested in the 9th arrondissement on Tuesday (Wednesday AEST) and held in custody overnight before being released with a warning.
Craig’s arrest came after Kookaburras and Hockeyroos players, their families and some friends gathered for a post-Games function on Tuesday night local time.
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Players then dispersed to bars in Paris, but Meares remains certain that Craig’s indiscretion was his alone.
“We do feel very confident that this is an isolated incident,” Meares said at a press conference on Thursday morning (AEST).
“I would rather be here talking about the three gold medals that we have won today. But here we are first.
“I am glad that the matter has been resolved and that Tom has been released. He received a warning. No charges and no conviction.”
Meares said Craig’s actions did not reflect his character as a person, but that he must suffer the same consequences for his actions regardless.
“I cannot condone what Tom has done. He is a good person who made a bad decision,” Meares said.
“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.
“As a result, Tom will lose all of his remaining Olympic privileges. He has already moved out of the Olympic Village and as it was my understanding, he was not attending the closing ceremony. If he was, he would not be able to attend.
“In terms of our actions at this point, there is not much further that we can do as this occurred outside the team environment.”
Hockey Australia high-performance director Bernard Savage confirmed no other players were involved.
He said Craig’s concerned teammates rushed to join him at the police station.
“Hockey Australia held a family and friends function last night at the hotel on Myanmar. That was with the two teams’ family, friends and some invited guests to wrap up the Olympic campaign for the Kookaburras and Hockeyroos,” Savage said.
“Around about 7.30, the attendees started to disperse with a small group of players moving on to the ninth to attend some bars.
“Some time after that, the players observed a commotion which was Tom Craig being arrested.
“It is our understanding that Tom was acting alone and the only events that brought the players or him to the players attention was him indeed being arrested.
“After that arrest, a small group of players did follow Tom to the police station, concerned for his for his well-being. They were under the understanding that Tom would be released very soon after that and then left the station.
“Obviously, Tom wasn’t released very soon after. He was released later this afternoon.”
Savage said Craig took full responsibility for his action and showed clear remorse for what he had done.
“Clearly, Hockey Australia is disappointed with Tom’s actions, but our primary concern right now is his well-being,” he added.
“Tom is with his family, where he needs to be at the moment.
“He has made a foolish decision which is not indicative or reflective of Tom’s character and that of Hockey Australia or the Kookaburras, as Anna has said.
“Also, there are clearly consequences from these decisions and actions, and Tom is ready to accept those and at an appropriate time in the future.”
A remorseful Craig fronted the media in central Paris hours before the AOC press conference.
“I would firstly like to apologise for what has occurred over the last 24 hours,” the Tokyo silver medallist said.
“I 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, the sport and the Australian Olympic team.
“I have embarrassed you all and I’m truly sorry.”