Sydney Kings championship forward Xavier Cooks has apologised to teammates and supporters after serving a one-month suspension for a positive test to cannabis.

The Kings revealed on Tuesday that Cooks, 30, and one of the league’s highest-paid players, had been banned by Basketball Australia after an in-competition doping control test detected the metabolite of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive compound of cannabis.

“I want to sincerely apologise to my teammates, our fans, the club, and everyone who has supported me. I take full responsibility for my actions and understand the disappointment and frustration this has caused,” Cooks, a three-time NBL champion and Australian Boomer, said.

“I am grateful to [Kings owners] Hoops Capital for the support they have continued to provide me throughout this process.”

Cooks’ ban expired on July 4. The Kings told this masthead Cooks, a former NBL most valuable player and one of the league’s most athletic stars, was tested after a game last season.

Hoops Capital chief executive Mark Thompson said Cooks would be given the wellbeing and educational support he needed.

“We acknowledge and respect the outcome of the Basketball Australia and Sport Integrity Australia process,” Thompson said.

“We hold ourselves to strong professional standards. When those standards are not met, we respond appropriately and work to ensure our people receive the support, education and guidance they need – not only through the successes but also the challenges that come with professional sport.

“Xavier has completed his period of ineligibility and is back on court with his teammates as pre-season commences. Our focus is now on supporting him and the team as we prepare for the upcoming season.”

Sport Integrity Australia did not wish to comment when contacted by this masthead. Basketball Australia confirmed the ban but did not wish to comment further.

The Kings would not divulge if Cooks faced further punishment from the club.

It is the second time Cooks has been suspended for taking an illegal substance. In February 2025, Cooks received an immediate provisional suspension from BA and the NBL after returning an adverse analytical finding for cocaine, an out-of-competition illicit substance. He served a one-month ban from February 7 to March 7, 2025, missing the Kings’ play-off run.

Cooks has represented Australia at FIBA tournaments, and logged NBA 10 games for the Washington Wizards in the 2022-23 season.

The Kings begin their NBL championship defence against the Cairns Taipans on September 20.