Hapoel Tel Aviv's Xavier Munford fails doping test, gets suspended / News - Basketnews.com

Munford failed a routine doping test in December, as cannabis, still a prohibited substance, was found in the player's sample. Munford has been suspended, and it is estimated he will not play in the EuroCup this season anymore.

Credit: Marcus Brandt/dpa - Scanpix Credit Marcus Brandt/dpa - Scanpix

Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv have suffered a significant hit on their way to qualifying for the EuroLeague.

3-pointers this season

40%8,7Points made:8,7Accuracy:39,7%Place in standings:12Record max:14Record min:4Most made 3FGs:Xavier MunfordTeamEuroCupStatisticsSchedule

One of the team's leaders, Xavier Munford, failed a doping test, the Israeli Anti-Doping Agency announced.

Munford failed a routine test in December, and the results have been published only now in late February. Namely, Munford tested positive for cannabis, which is among the prohibited substances, despite the recent fight to change it.

Hapoel, the Israeli Winner League, and the Israeli Basketball Association have been notified about the matter, and the player has been suspended indefinitely.

It is estimated that Munford will not play in the EuroCup this season anymore.

Munford was one of the leaders of the Israeli squad, averaging 15.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.4 steals per game for 15.8 PIR. He was named Round 8 MVP after scoring 31 points against Joventut Badalona.

Former Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz guard Pierria Henry was recently suspended for four years by FIBA for a doping violation.

Hapoel have qualified for EuroCup playoffs as the 2nd seed in Group A. The club is waiting for its opponent in the quarterfinal - either Dreamland Gran Canaria or Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul.

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