Sydney Kings star Xavier Cooks will be free to play the start of the NBL season, with his one-month period of ineligibility concluding last month.
Cooks was issued with the sanction by Basketball Australia, in accordance with the Australian National Anti-Doping Policy, following the result of a doping control test, where tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) was detected in his system.
Xavier Cooks of the Sydney Kings. Getty
The one-time NBL MVP winner apologised to his teammates and Kings fans in a statement through on Tuesday afternoon.
“I want to sincerely apologise to my teammates, our fans, the club, and everyone who has supported me,” Cooks said.
“I take full responsibility for my actions and understand the disappointment and frustration this has caused.”
Mark Thompson, the chief executive of Hoops Capital who own the Sydney franchise, said the club would educate and support Cooks.
“We hold ourselves to strong professional standards,” he said.
“When those standards are not met, we respond appropriately and work to ensure our people receive the support, education and guidance they need – not only through the successes but also the challenges that come with professional sport.
“Xavier has completed his period of ineligibility and is back on court with his teammates as pre-season commences. Our focus is now on supporting him and the team as we prepare for the upcoming season.”
The 30-year-old Ballarat product is a three-time NBL champion and has been one of the league’s most high-profile stars for more than half a decade.
Cooks also played 10 games for the NBA’s Washington Wizards in 2023, before returning to Australia with the Kings.