Sydney Kings’ million dollar man, Xavier Cooks could face further punishment after month ban

Sydney Kings captain Xavier Cooks has served majority of his one month doping ban but he could be facing further punishment from the club, MATT LOGUE reports.

Sydney Kings captain Xavier Cooks received a one-month ban after testing positive for cocaine use but faces further potential punishment from the harbour city club.

Sources confirmed to Code Sports that Cooks has served the majority of his four-week ban for using illicit drugs outside of competition while being provisionally suspended since early February.

The 2019 NBL MVP was stood down for a potential anti-doping violation after returning an adverse analytical finding to a banned substance – just two days before he was to lead the Kings’ in a sudden-death clash against Adelaide.

It’s understood Sydney officials have expressed a desire to retain Cooks – who still has two seasons left on his contract as the NBL’s highest paid player on over $1 million a season.

Xavier Cooks could face further ramifications. Picture: Kelly Defina/Getty Images

However, the star forward – who played 10 NBA games for the Washington Wizards in 2023 – could cop an additional punishment from the Kings.

Cooks’ situation comes as the World Anti-Doping agency is currently reviewing its rules around illicit drugs, such as cocaine, where athletes will receive a mandatory stand down of one to two months.

There is also scope for the suspension process to be amended to announce findings sooner to avoid incorrect speculation.

The Kings had put Cooks’ absence from the club’s final-round clash against Illawarra down to ‘personal leave’ but Basketball Australia later confirmed the 29-year-old was subject to the national anti-doping authority process.

“A mandatory provisional suspension (effective immediately) has been imposed on Sydney Kings player Xavier Cooks following notification to him by Sport Integrity Australia of an Adverse Analytical Finding and a potential violation of the Australian National Anti-Doping Policy,” a BA statement read.

“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 also released a statement which confirmed Cooks had been stood down.

“Xavier Cooks has been provisionally suspended due to an Adverse Analytical Finding and a potential violation of the Australian National Anti-Doping Policy,” the Kings said in a statement.

“No further comments will be made at this time.”

Neither the NBL, nor the club, are able to comment on Cooks’ case under Sport Integrity Australia protocols.

Cooks was one of the few consistent performers in a rollercoaster season for the fifth-placed Kings, the 203cm forward averaged 15.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.3 blocks and 1 steal and was named to the All-NBL Second Team.

The Kings provided Code Sports with the following statement when contacted on Thursday.

“The club has no comment on the matter at this point in time,” a club spokesperson said.

Originally published as Sydney Kings’ million dollar man, Xavier Cooks could face further punishment after month ban