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 a previous history of 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-traveled 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.