Cooks breaks silence: 'Sorry I let you down'

• Xavier Cooks admits to "one of the biggest mistakes of my life"
• He was suspended for one month between February 7, 2025 and March 7, 2025
• He is contracted to the Sydney Kings for NBL26

All-NBL Second Team member, former NBL MVP and NBA player Xavier Cooks has broken his silence on the one-month ban that derailed the Sydney Kings post season quest to win the NBL25 Championship.

Cooks, 29, was handed a "mandatory provisional suspension, effective immediately" in mid February, just days before the Kings were set to face the Adelaide 36ers in a knock-out final at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney. The Kings lost 95-88 and were eliminated.

The suspension came after Sport Integrity Australia (SIA) notified him of an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) and a potential violation of the Australian National Anti-Doping Policy (ANADP).

He was later banned for a month for an adverse finding deemed not related to performance enhancement.

Cooks’ one-month period of ineligibility started February 7, 2025 and finished March 7, 2025.

"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 was averaging 15.4 points per game on 57% from the field, 3.9 assists and 8.7 rebounds when he was banned.

He didn't show up at the NBL25 Awards at Centrepiece on Monday, February 11, 2025 in Melbourne where he was named to the NBL25 Second Team.

Two-time NBL champion Cooks is contracted to the Sydney Kings for the 2025-26 NBL season with the club asserting it would support their star forward.

"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.

"We will continue to support Xavier throughout this time and will not be making any further comments."

Facts about Xavier Cooks

• Cooks was named to the Big South Conference All-Freshman Team during his college career at Winthrop University.
• He became Winthrop's all-time leading rebounder during his senior year.
• Cooks was voted into the Big South Men's Basketball All-Decade Team (2010-19).
• He won the New Zealand NBL MVP award while playing for the Wellington Saints in 2022.
• Cooks recorded the NBL's first triple-double since 2021 during the 2022-23 season.2023 NBL Most Valuable Player
• Two-time NBL Champion with Sydney Kings (2022, 2023)
• Made NBA debut with Washington Wizards in 2023