Paul George has been suspended for twenty-five games after violating the NBA’s anti-drug policy.
The league announced that the Philadelphia 76ers power forward’s first day of suspension would be on Saturday (January 31), when the team is scheduled to play against the New Orleans Pelicans. The earliest date George can return to the court is March 25.
The athlete also provided a statement, sharing that he takes “full responsiblity” for the suspension.
"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," he stated.
"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 left the Los Angeles Clippers to join the 76ers for a four-year, $212 million contract as a free agent in 2024.
Since the start of the season, he’s played twenty-seven games and averaged sixteen points in 30.5 minutes per game. George missed twelve games at the start of the season after having arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, to fix an injury he sustained during a workout.
This season marks George’s sixteenth since he he was drafted by the Indiana Pacers in 2010.