Published: 12:06 GMT, 13 March 2025 | Updated: 12:08 GMT, 13 March 2025
[Sydney](/news/sydney/index.html) Kings star Xavier Cooks was handed a one-month provisional ban following an adverse analytical finding and a 'potential violation of anti-doping rules'.
But according to [Code Sports](https://www.codesports.com.au/basketball/nbl/sydney-kings-million-dollar-man-xavier-cooks-could-face-further-punishment-after-month-ban/news-story/bc61626f9666aa6cdeace63ee2d3f488), the basketball star, who is understood to have served the 'majority of that provisional ban', could be facing further sanctions from his club.
The outlet claims Cooks tested positive for cocaine with his provisional suspension having been in effect since early February.
Cooks had missed his side's final regular-season NBL match against the Illawarra Hawks with the Kings having stated he was on 'personal leave' before stating that he had been provisionally suspended.
Reports claim that he had returned the adverse finding two days before the Kings captain was set to lead his side out in their sudden-death clash against Adelaide.
Cooks, 29, re-joined the Kings last year, having previously played for the club between 2019 and 2023. During that time he won the NBL twice in 2022 and 2023, before also being crowned the league's Most Valuable Player in 2019.
NBL star Xavier Cooks, who was banned for one month after allegedly breaching anti-doping rules, could face further sanctions from his club, the Sydney Kings
The 2019 NBL All Star has reportedly served the majority of his initial one-month suspension
His three-year deal with the NBL side saw him sign the most lucrative deal in NBL history, agreeing a $1million-per-season contract.
Code Sports states that the Kings want to keep their million-dollar man after his deal expires in two years.
'A mandatory provisional suspension (effective immediately) has been imposed on Sydney Kings player Xavier Cooks following notification to him by Sport Integrity Australia of an Adverse Analytical Finding and a potential violation of the Australian National Anti-Doping Policy (ANADP),' a Basketball Australia statement, released in February, had read.
'The matter is now progressing in accordance with the ANADP.
'No further comment will be made by the athlete, NBL, Sydney or BA and we request the privacy of all parties involved be respected.'
The Kings, meanwhile, added in a statement: 'Xavier Cooks has been provisionally suspended due to an Adverse Analytical Finding and a potential violation of the Australian National Anti-Doping Policy,' the Kings said in a statement.
'No further comments will be made at this time.'
Cooks' last game for the Kings came on February 2 having averaged 15.4 points across 28 matches.
When contacted by Code Sports this week, a Kings spokesperson replied: 'The club has no comment on the matter at this point in time.'
It comes as the World Anti-Doping Agency is reviewing rules relating to illicit drug use among athletes.
It is understood that suspension processes could be altered to allow organisations to release details of adverse findings sooner to prevent incorrect speculation.