Michael Irvin is taking a humorous look back at one of the lowest points of his career while reacting to Paul George’s recent suspension from the NBA.
While appearing on the It Is What It Is podcast, Irvin weighed in on George’s 25-game ban for violating the league’s Anti-Drug Policy. After George explained that the failed test stemmed from medication tied to his mental health earlier this week, Irvin couldn’t resist joking about how different things might have gone for him decades ago when police found him in a hotel room with cocaine and marijuana.
“I should’ve tried that when I was in the hotel room,” Irvin said with a laugh. “When them cops hit the door of that hotel room … ‘I got some mental health issues!’ … I wish I could’ve used that!”
In 1996, the Hall of Fame wide receiver made headlines when he was arrested in Irving, Texas, after authorities found him in a hotel room where cocaine and marijuana were reportedly present. Irvin later entered a no-contest plea to misdemeanor drug possession charges, which were eventually removed from his record.
George, meanwhile, is dealing with one of the longest suspensions of his NBA career. His suspension is a major blow for the Philadelphia 76ers, who have been turning their ship around after a tough start to the season.
While the circumstances surrounding the two incidents are very different, Irvin’s candid reflection served as a reminder of how much the sports world and the way players talk about personal struggles have changed since the 1990s.