Former Australian cricketer Stuart MacGill was convicted of aiding a drug supply operation on March 13, 2025, a Sydney District Court ruled. However, he was acquitted of involvement in a $330,000 cocaine deal.
The court found MacGill guilty of connecting his drug dealer to his brother-in-law, Marino Sotiropoulos, enabling a transaction. Prosecutors argued his role was key, though he denied knowing the deal’s specifics. Cleared of facilitating a one-kilogram cocaine exchange in April 2021, he now faces sentencing in eight weeks. The Stuart MacGill drug case verdict marks a mixed outcome for the ex-spinner.
He was one of Australia's top Test cricketers but now, Stuart MacGill is a convicted drug supplier facing serious jail time. @LeonieFRyan #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/LMr8PMgNNI
— 7NEWS Queensland (@7NewsBrisbane) March 13, 2025
According to Australian media, MacGill, who took 208 wickets in 44 Tests, showed little emotion as the ruling ended. The lesser charge conviction ties him to drug supply but spares him from the larger trafficking accusation. His legal saga continues after a turbulent year.
Stuart MacGill has been acquitted of taking part in a large commercial drug supply in April 2021.
A Sydney District Court jury today said the former Australian Test cricketer knew he was taking part in a cocaine deal but was oblivious about the large scale of the exchange that… pic.twitter.com/PR0JPE8hrC
— 9News Australia (@9NewsAUS) March 13, 2025
Last year, MacGill claimed he was kidnapped by armed men, recounting to Adam Gilchrist, “I was bundled into a car for an hour and a half.” Brothers Richard and Fredrick Schaaf, charged with his detention, argue he was a willing participant in drug dealings, not a victim. Their trial looms in 2025.
A leg-spinner overshadowed by Shane Warne, MacGill retired in 2008. The Stuart MacGill drug case now shifts focus to his sentencing, while the kidnapping dispute adds complexity to his legal battles.