Xavier Cooks Provisionally Suspended for Anti-Doping Violation
Xavier Cooks, former NBL MVP, has been provisionally suspended due to an alleged anti-doping violation just before a crucial playoff game. The Kings confirmed he has been stood down.
Former NBL MVP Xavier Cooks has been provisionally suspended following an alleged anti-doping violation just two days before the Sydney Kings' sudden-death playoff game against Adelaide.
Cooks returned a positive test for a banned substance and has been stood down under the Australian National Anti-Doping policy.
The 29-year-old did not play for the Kings last Friday, which the club attributed to 'personal leave', before the NBL confirmed the provisional suspension.
A statement from the NBL indicated, "A mandatory provisional suspension (effective immediately) has been imposed on Sydney Kings player Xavier Cooks following notification to him by Sport Integrity Australia (SIA) of an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) and a potential violation of the Australian National Anti-Doping Policy (ANADP)."
"The matter is now progressing in accordance with the ANADP. No further comment will be made by the athlete, NBL, Sydney or BA and we request the privacy of all parties involved be respected."
The Kings confirmed that Cooks had been stood down and that "no further comments" would be made.
Cooks, who was the NBL MVP in the Kings' championship-winning season of 2022/23, previously had a brief stint in the NBA with the Washington Wizards and has played with the Australian Boomers.
However, his immediate playing career is now facing uncertainty.
