Cooks apologises: "One of the biggest mistakes of my life"

Sydney Kings star Xavier Cooks says he “made one of the biggest mistakes of my life”, after an in-competition anti-doping test returned an adverse analytical finding.

Cooks was issued with a one-month period of ineligibility by Sport Integrity Australia on behalf of Basketball Australia, which ended on March 7.

The NBL23 MVP said he respected the decision handed down, and has “spent the past few months reflecting on my actions and the impact it had”.

“I made one of the biggest mistakes of my life,” Cooks said via a statement on Instagram. 

“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.”

>> Sydney Kings statement

The Kings released a statement saying they 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”. 

Cooks has a further two seasons remaining on a three-year contract he signed before NBL25.