The NBA suspended Paul George for 25 games without pay after the Philadelphia 76ers forward violated the league’s anti-drug program.
The league announced the suspension on Saturday, confirming that it will take effect for this evening’s matchup against the Charlotte Hornets. George accepted the suspension in a statement to ESPN’s Shams Charania, explaining that the NBA flagged a banned substance for a mental-health issue.
“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 has remained productive in his 16th season, averaging 16.0 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.5 steals in 27 games. The 35-year-old scored 32 points in Tuesday’s 139-122 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks.
Philadelphia must fight for its playoff livelihood in a wide-open Eastern Conference during George’s lengthy absence. The 76ers currently hold the No. 6 seed at 26-2, but the Orlando Magic and Miami Heat each trail by one game to escape the play-in picture.
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George won’t be eligible to return until March 25. The nine-time All-Star will miss a March 1 matchup against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden while serving his suspension.
Featured image via Bill Streicher/Imagn Images
