Olympics star issues heartfelt apology after drugs arrest in Paris

Australian hockey star Tom Craig has owned up to a "terrible mistake" following his arrest for purchasing cocaine amidst the Paris Olympics .

Craig found himself in hot water on Tuesday evening when he was arrested and taken into custody. The incident unfolded after Australia's quarter-final exit at the hands of the Netherlands.

Visibly emotional , the athlete expressed deep regret, saying: "I'd firstly like to apologize for what has occurred over the past 24 hours. I made a terrible mistake and I take full responsibility for my actions."

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He continued, reflecting on his actions: "My actions are my own and in no way reflect the values of my family, my teammates, my friends, my sport and the Australian Olympic Committee. I've embarrassed you all and I'm truly sorry."

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Australian team leader Anna Meares disclosed that Craig's colleagues witnessed the arrest, commenting: "They heard the commotion, went out and saw that Tom had been arrested.", reports the Mirror .

Meares shared details about the team's reaction: "They spoke with police officers, the arresting officers, were able to follow to the police station concerned for Tom's welfare, and from there, they reached out to Tom's family who reached out to our lawyers."

Highlighting Craig's character, she said: "He is a good person who made a bad decision. But there are consequences for decisions like this. He has apologized, shown remorse, he has owned up to his mistake, and we will support him if he needs help."

Craig has been ejected from the Olympic Village and is barred from the closing ceremony, with Meares issuing a stern warning to Australia's athletes about their conduct at the Games.

"I actually sent out a message to all of our sports reminding them that no one is immune to making bad decisions and to getting into trouble, reminding them to please reach out to us if anything does occur, so that we can help them, but to also understand that not only their reputation, but the reputation of their sports and this Australian Olympic team, is at stake as well," she said.

With over 100 caps for the national team, Craig, a seasoned hockey player, was part of the squad that clinched silver at the Tokyo Olympics and gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

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