CSKA captain Nikita Kurbanov’s manager Sergei Tarakanov said that the presence of cocaine in the basketball player’s blood was a disaster and a problem. His words are quoted “Sports Express”.
“I have not talked about this with Nikita yet. This is a problem and a disaster. I hope this is a one-time experiment in life. I am sure that this is not Nikita’s habit, I have known him for a long time and well. You can call it an accident. I am also shocked by this news.” said Tarakanov.
On October 27, 2023, Kurbanov took a break from his sports career. The player and the club did not comment afterwards. On January 18, 2024, the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) announced that the basketball player would be disqualified for three months after traces of cocaine were found in his blood.
Kurbanov is the CSKA record holder in the number of matches played. He has been playing for the Moscow club since 2015. This is his second time joining the team. Previously, he was a player of CSKA from 2002 to 2012.
As a member of CSKA, Kurbanov won the Euroleague three times and won the VTB United League seven times.
Formerly lawyer Kalinov saidFor example, whether a basketball player found to have consumed cocaine will face criminal sanctions.