Sydney Kings captain Xavier Cooks has served most of his one-month suspension for testing positive for cocaine but may still face additional disciplinary action from his club.
He was provisionally suspended in early February after returning an adverse analytical finding just two days before the Kings’ sudden-death clash against Adelaide. Basketball Australia later confirmed the ban, though the club initially cited “personal leave” as the reason for his absence.
Despite the violation, Sydney Kings officials reportedly want to retain Cooks, who remains under contract for two more seasons as the NBL’s highest-paid player at over $1 million annually. However, internal repercussions are still being considered.
Doping Violation and Suspension Details
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) mandates provisional suspensions for athletes testing positive for illicit substances, even if used recreationally and outside of competition. Under current anti-doping policies, a four-year ban applies if detected in competition. However, if proven to be recreational and out of competition, the penalty can be reduced to as little as one month, provided the athlete participates in an approved treatment program.
Cooks’ case falls under WADA’s “substances of abuse” provisions, introduced in 2019, allowing for reduced suspensions when drug use is unrelated to performance enhancement. A similar case involved Penrith Panthers player Brent Naden, who received a one-month ban after testing positive for cocaine following the 2020 NRL Grand Final.
Sources suggest Cooks’ legal team is pushing to resolve the issue quickly, emphasizing that the drug use was unrelated to competition. Research indicates cocaine metabolites can remain in urine for up to six days, adding complexity to the case.
Club and League Response
The Sydney Kings and Basketball Australia have issued statements confirming Cooks’ provisional suspension but have refrained from further comment due to Sport Integrity Australia protocols.
“The matter is progressing in accordance with the Australian National Anti-Doping Policy. No further comment will be made by the athlete, NBL, Sydney Kings, or Basketball Australia,” the organizations stated.
Despite missing games, Cooks remained a key contributor for the Kings this season, averaging 15.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game while earning All-NBL Second Team honours.
Initially, the Kings attributed his absence from the final-round clash against Illawarra to personal reasons, but it was later confirmed to be due to the anti-doping investigation. His representatives may seek an emergency hearing to expedite the resolution, aiming to keep the suspension at one month.
Future Uncertain for Cooks
The timing of Cooks’ suspension was a significant blow to the Kings, coming just before their elimination game against Adelaide, where his absence proved costly.
Finishing fifth in a turbulent season, the club now faces a major decision on whether to reinstate their star forward or impose further internal penalties. The outcome could set a precedent for handling similar cases in Australian basketball moving forward, particularly as WADA reviews its stance on recreational drug use in sports.
Dan Boyce is a die-hard Sydney Kings fan who grew up in Melbourne during the roaring 90's of Australian Basketball and spent far too much time collecting Futera NBL Basketball cards.
