“I accept responsibility for my actions.” Kurbanov addresses CSKA fans following cocaine scandal

Before CSKA Nikita Kurbanov has appealed to the team and supporters after being disqualified for using banned substances.

On Thursday, the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) announced that it had suspended Kurbanov for three months for cocaine use. The 37-year-old striker’s suspension begins on October 20, 2023 and expires on January 19, 2024. In October, the CSKA captain announced the suspension of his sports career “for personal reasons.”

— Dear CSKA supporters, teammates, administration, club employees and all fans of the best ball game! I apologize for the current situation. Of course, what happened was not dignified behavior, and the consequences have already taught me a lesson. I accept full responsibility for my actions.

I really appreciate the trust that the club and the supporters have shown in me over many years. I have always considered it a great honor to play for CSKA and especially to be the captain of the team. In any situation, he gave 100% for the team’s result and for the joy of the entire army of club supporters.

The most important thing for me now is to return to the game and to my favorite profession. I will do everything possible to get back on the floor as quickly as possible. “I thank my relatives, friends, colleagues and supporters for their support in difficult times,” Kurbanov said according to the club’s press service.

Kurbanov, 37, is an 11-time Russian champion and 7-time winner of the VTB United League. As a member of CSKA, the basketball player won the Euroleague three times and holds the club record for the number of matches played.

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