The NBA has suspended Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George 25 games for violating terms of the league’s anti-drug policy, it announced Saturday. The first game of George’s suspension will be Saturday’s contest with the New Orleans Pelicans.
George, 35, said in a statement to ESPN he mistakenly took “improper medication” to combat mental health.
“Over the past few years, I’ve discussed the importance of mental health, and in the course of recently seeking treatment for an issue of my own, I made the mistake of taking an improper medication,” George said. “I take full responsibility for my actions and apologize to the Sixers organization, my teammates and the Philly fans for my poor decision making during this process. I am focused on using this time to make sure that my mind and body are in the best condition to help the team when I return.”
George is averaging 16 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 27 games this season for the 76ers, who currently are in sixth place in the Eastern Conference at 26-21 overall. Philadelphia has won back-to-back games, including a 32-point effort from George in Tuesday’s victory over the Milwaukee Bucks. He is eligible to return for the final 10 games of the regular season, beginning March 25 against the Chicago Bulls.
George signed a four-year, $212 million contract to join the 76ers in free agency in 2024 to pair with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. George was limited to only 41 games last season and missed the start of the 2025 season as he returned from a knee injury.Â
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