‘Biggest mistake of my life’: Sydney Kings star’s big apology over ban

The Sydney Kings star, Xavier Cooks, apologized for failing an anti -doping test that kept him out of the NBL finals, calling him one of the “greatest mistakes of my life.”

The club said Monday that Cooks was slapped with a one -month prohibition by Sport Integrity Australia after reproving a routine test in the competition in January.

The club said the substance was not related to performance.

Cooks retired on February 7 and the defeat of the Kings against Adelaide was lost in the first round of NBL.

A chef contaite confirmed on an Instagram post on Monday that his suspension had ended on March 7.

“In January, I performed an anti -doping test in the competition through Sport Integrity Australia, and later they informed me that I had returned an adverse analytical finding,” Cooks said. “Sia issued me a period of inelegability of one month, on behalf of Basketball Australia, which was completed on March 7, 2025.

“I respect the decision that was transmitted and have spent the last months reflecting on my actions and the impact it has had.

“I made one of the greatest mistakes of my life. It was a period of judgment that has affected many people who care deeply.

“I apologize to my family, my teammates from the Sydney Kings, the club, the sponsors, the fans and all those who have once supported me.

“I am very sorry to have disappointed everyone.

“I am committed to becoming a model to continue positive in our community, and I hope to recover your trust.”

Cooks is a former NBL and MVP MVP from the finals and played 10 NBA games with the Washington Wizards in 2023 before being renounced.

The club said in a statement that would support the twice winner of the championship during his rehabilitation.

“(Kings owners) HOOPS Capital has now completed its internal review on the matter and will work in close collaboration with chefs in a comprehensive well -being plan that will support it both on and off the court and help in its commitment to rebuild its reputation with our members, fans, sponsors and community,” the club said in a statement.