Sydney Kings star Xavier Cooks has apologised for failing an anti-doping test that kept him out of the NBL finals, calling it one of the “biggest mistakes of my life”.
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The club said on Monday that Cooks was slapped with a one-month ban by Sport Integrity Australia after failing a routine in-competition test in January.
The club said the substance was not performance related.
Cooks was stood down on February 7 and missed the Kings’ loss to Adelaide in the first round of NBL finals.
A contrite Cooks confirmed in an Instagram post on Monday that his suspension had ended on March 7.
“In January, I conducted an in-competition anti-doping test through Sport Integrity Australia, and I was later informed it had returned an adverse analytical finding,” Cooks said.
“I was issued with a one-month period of ineligibility by SIA, on behalf of Basketball Australia, which was completed on March 7, 2025.
“I respect the decision that was handed down and have spent the past few months reflecting on my actions and the impact it has had.
“I made one of the biggest mistakes of my life. It was a lapse in judgment that has affected a lot of people I care deeply about.
“I apologise to my family, my Sydney Kings teammates, the club, sponsors, fans and everyone who has ever supported me.
“I’m so sorry that I let you all down.
“I am committed to becoming a positive role model in our community, and I hope I can regain your trust.”
Cooks is a former NBL MVP and finals MVP and played 10 NBA games with the Washington Wizards in 2023 before being waived.
The club said in a statement it would support the two-time championship winner during his rehabilitation.
“(Kings owners) Hoops Capital has now completed its internal review into the matter and will be working closely with Cooks on a comprehensive wellbeing plan which will support him both on and off the court and assist in his commitment to rebuilding his reputation with our members, fans, sponsors, and community,” the club said in a statement.
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