Sports & Competition
Tue, November 25, 2025
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Tukaha Cooper Banned for 12 Months After Positive Cannabis Test
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Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, November 25th 2025 at 1:54 GMT by The New Zealand Herald- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Development player Tukaha Cooper banned for cannabis use: What the New Zealand Breakers and NBL can learn
On a Tuesday morning in early August, the New Zealand Herald reported that Tukaha Cooper, a 20‑year‑old development player for the Australian National Basketball League (NBL)’s New Zealand Breakers, has been handed a ban from the sport after a doping test returned positive for cannabis metabolites. The sanction, imposed by the New Zealand Anti‑Doping Agency (NZADA) and announced via the league’s official channels, carries a period of ineligibility that will put Cooper’s professional trajectory on hold for at least a year. In an industry where “clean sport” is not only a slogan but a legal framework, this case is a stark reminder that even substances not traditionally viewed as performance‑enhancing can jeopardise a player’s career.
The facts on the record
Cooper’s positive test came after a break‑away match against the Adelaide 36ers on 22 June. NZADA collected a urine sample in accordance with World Anti‑Doping Agency (WADA) guidelines and found the presence of THC metabolites, the primary indicator of cannabis consumption. According to NZADA’s public announcement, the ban will commence on 24 June and last for 12 months, meaning Cooper will be ineligible to compete in any registered competition until 24 June of the following year. The sanction includes a provisional suspension that began on the day the sample was collected.
Cooper, who joined the Breakers’ development squad in 2022 and made his first NBL appearance in 2023, is no stranger to the pressure of professional sport. A product of the New Zealand Basketball Academy, he has represented his country at the under‑19 level and has already attracted attention for his defensive versatility and perimeter shooting. The ban, therefore, comes at a crucial juncture in his growth as a professional athlete.
The league’s reaction
The NBL’s official statement on the sanction was brief but clear. “We are disappointed that one of our young athletes has breached the anti‑doping code, but we respect the outcome of the NZADA’s investigation and the decision made,” the statement read. “The Breakers remain committed to supporting Tukaha in this difficult time and will work with him to ensure that he can return to the court as soon as his sanction is complete.”
In a follow‑up interview with the Herald, Breakers head coach Dean Vickerman expressed the club’s mixed emotions: “It is hard to see a young talent like Tukaha hit a wall like this, especially when he has shown so much promise. We’re still very supportive of him. We’ll do everything in our power to help him through this period and get back to playing.”
Why cannabis is banned
Cannabis remains a prohibited substance under WADA’s “Illicit Substances” category. While it is not considered a performance‑enhancing drug, the ban is meant to preserve the sport’s integrity, protect athletes from the health risks associated with recreational drug use, and uphold a clean image for the sport. Under NZADA’s interpretation of WADA’s code, a first‑time offence for cannabis can carry up to a 12‑month ban – a punishment that matches the length imposed on Cooper.
Cooper’s case underscores the point that athletes must be aware that recreational substances can be tested for and that the consequences can be career‑altering. It also highlights the role that governing bodies play in educating athletes about anti‑doping regulations. In 2024, the New Zealand Basketball Federation announced a mandatory anti‑doping education programme for all registered players – a measure that will hopefully prevent similar incidents in the future.
The broader context
Doping cases are not uncommon in the NBL or the broader professional basketball scene. In the 2021‑22 season, for example, NBL star Jared Cunningham was sanctioned for a “recreational drug” offence. While the sanction was later reduced to a reprimand, it served as a cautionary tale for all players. The league’s own policies, which mirror WADA’s guidelines, require that all NBL athletes – even those on development contracts – are subject to the same testing protocols as the senior players.
Cooper’s case adds another layer of complexity to the discussion surrounding cannabis use in sport. While many jurisdictions now treat cannabis as a medical or even a legal drug, sport remains bound by the WADA code. The debate continues about whether the code’s stance on cannabis is still relevant given the evolving legal landscape. The NZADA’s consistent application of a 12‑month ban in Cooper’s case suggests that the agency is not currently adjusting its approach to reflect changing public opinion.
What does this mean for Tukaha?
From a practical standpoint, the ban means Cooper will miss the 2024 NBL season. The Breakers will have to re‑allocate his spot in the development squad and may look to other local talent to fill the gap. For Cooper, the sanction is not just a professional setback but also a personal challenge. The NZADA’s sanction letter explicitly references the requirement that athletes undergo a period of education and rehabilitation before they can return to competition – a process that may include counseling, a review of lifestyle habits, and repeated drug testing.
Cooper’s future will depend on how he responds to the sanction and how he uses the off‑court time to mature as an athlete. If he can turn this setback into a learning experience and return with a cleaner record, he could still be a valuable asset to the Breakers once his ban expires. On the other hand, if he fails to regain his form or chooses not to return, his development path could stall indefinitely.
Lessons for clubs and athletes
Education is key – Clubs must reinforce anti‑doping rules regularly and ensure that all players, especially those on development contracts, understand the ramifications of testing positive for prohibited substances.
Clear communication – The Breakers’ response demonstrates the importance of a measured, supportive approach. While the ban is a serious penalty, showing that the club still cares about the player can preserve relationships and help with post‑ban reintegration.
Holistic support – Beyond the sport, clubs and governing bodies should provide mental‑health resources, counselling, and lifestyle management services to help athletes navigate the pressures of professional sport.
Transparency in policy – The NBL and NZADA’s alignment with WADA standards ensures consistency but also requires constant dialogue about how policies evolve in response to changing societal norms, especially regarding substances like cannabis.
Final thoughts
Tukaha Cooper’s 12‑month ban for cannabis use may have been a wake‑up call for many within the New Zealand basketball community. It highlights how even substances that may seem innocuous to some can have severe consequences under the strict regulations governing professional sport. For the Breakers, it’s a reminder of the need to invest in comprehensive player education and support systems. For athletes, it’s a stark illustration that the choices they make off the court can have lasting implications for their careers on it. As the NBL continues to grow and attract talent from around the world, the league’s commitment to clean sport remains paramount – and cases like Cooper’s serve as a sobering reminder that the code is being taken seriously.
Read the Full The New Zealand Herald Article at:
[ https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/basketball/breakers/nz-breakers-development-player-tukaha-cooper-receives-anti-doping-sanction-for-cannabis-use/EDIQHAWVVNEONIV2ZQ2XWKCAZ4/ ]
