Hawkins fails anti-doping test

David Hawkins (194 cm, Temple’04), a guard for Galatasaray Medical Park Istanbul (Turkey, TBL, Eurocup) has tested positive during an anti-doping test after the recent game against Royal Hali Gaziantep (Turkey, TBL). Hawkins failed the test after the game on the 22nd of December, 2012; a game in which Galatasaray emerged victorious 84-66 in Istanbul. Hawkins will now miss tonight’s clash with Ratiopharm (Germany, BBL) in the Eurocup and is likely to face further bans.

The 31-year old American guard has previous history in failing doping tests, and was banned for 3 months during his time with Lottomatica Virtus Roma (Italy, Serie A) in 2007. On that occasion Hawkins had been smoking cannabis, and was not found to be using any performance enhancing substances, and in this instance he will be innocent until proven otherwise. If found guilty Hawkins is likely to have a harsher punishment meted out than before and could expect to be banned from between 6-12 months.

Hawkins is a product of Temple University, and after graduating in 2004 he has become a well-travelled player, and among the most highly regarded in Europe. During his time in Italy’s Serie A for Roma (2005-2008), Milano (2008-2009 and 2010-2011) and Siena (2009-2010) he was one of the best players in the league and on the continent.