D'Arcy dropped from Australian team

Australian swimmer Nick D'Arcy has been dropped from the team for the Beijing Olympics, the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) said yesterday.

D'Arcy's place in the squad had been under scrutiny after he was charged by police on March 31 following an incident in a Sydney nightclub in which he was accused of punching former Commonwealth swimming champion Simon Cowley.

AOC president John Coates said D'Arcy's selection had been overturned after an internal investigation and he would not compete at the Aug. 8-24 Games.

"This is a difficult decision to make but the question is whether his conduct was likely to bring himself, the sport of swimming, the team and the AOC into disrepute and censure," Coates said in a televised statement.

D'Arcy is due to appear in court on Monday and Coates said he would not comment further because of the legal proceedings.

D'Arcy qualified for the Olympics after winning the 200 metres butterfly at the Australian national trials.