悉尼国王队前锋泽维尔·库克因在竞赛中的兴奋剂检测发现四氢大麻酚(THC)代谢物呈阳性，被篮球澳大利亚禁赛一个月，禁赛期至2024年7月4日已届满[1]。这是现年30岁的库克第二次因违反禁药规则遭禁赛，他在2月曾因可卡因检测呈阳性被禁赛，禁赛期为2月7日至3月7日[1]。
库克已为此事道歉，表示"我想真诚地向我的队友、球迷、俱乐部和所有支持我的人道歉。我对自己的行为承担全部责任，理解这带来的失望和挫折"[1]。国王队首席执行官马克·汤普森随后宣布，"泽维尔已完成禁赛期，在季前赛开始之际回归球队"[1]。国王队将于9月20日对阵凯恩斯泰潘队开始新赛季卫冕之旅[1]。
Xavier Cooks, a 30-year-old forward for the Sydney Kings, has completed a one-month suspension imposed by Basketball Australia following a positive test for THC metabolites during competition [1]. The ban, which concluded on July 4, 2024, marked the second doping violation for the three-time NBL champion and former league MVP [1].
Cooks acknowledged the breach and expressed remorse for his conduct. "I want to sincerely apologise to my teammates, our fans, the club, and everyone who has supported me," he stated [1]. "I take full responsibility for my actions and understand the disappointment and frustration this has caused." [1] This latest suspension follows another month-long ban in February 2025, when Cooks tested positive for cocaine; that penalty ran from February 7 to March 7 [1].
With his ineligibility period behind him, Cooks has resumed training with the Kings as their pre-season preparations begin. Club CEO Mark Thompson confirmed the player's return: "Xavier has completed his period of ineligibility and is back on court with his teammates as pre-season commences." [1] The defending champions are set to open their NBL campaign on September 20 against the Cairns Taipans [1].