NBA hands 76ers' Paul George 25-game suspension for drug-policy violation

Philadelphia 76ers prima Paul George was suspended 25 games by the NBA for violating the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program, the league announced successful a connection connected Saturday. 

The league did not disclose the quality of George’s violation, but successful a connection to ESPN, the nine-time NBA All-Star said helium was "taking an improper medication." 

"Over the past fewer years, I’ve discussed the value of intelligence health, and successful the people of precocious seeking attraction for an contented of my own, I made the mistake of taking an improper medication. I instrumentality afloat work for my actions and apologize to the Sixers organization, my teammates and the Philly fans for my mediocre determination making during this process," his connection read."

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"I americium focused connected utilizing this clip to marque definite that my caput and assemblage are successful the champion information to assistance the squad erstwhile I return."

Philadelphia 76ers guardant Paul George (8) shoots the shot against the Milwaukee Bucks during the 3rd 4th astatine Xfinity Mobile Arena successful Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, connected Jan. 27, 2026. (Bill Streicher/Imagn Images)

The 25-game suspension, by presumption of the statement betwixt the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association, indicates that this was a archetypal usurpation by George.

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George volition not beryllium paid during the suspension, which volition outgo the 76ers guardant an estimated $11.7 cardinal of his $51.7 cardinal salary.

Paul George of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the shot against the Denver Nuggets astatine Xfinity Mobile Arena connected Jan. 5, 2026, successful Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

George is expected to beryllium eligible to instrumentality connected March 25, erstwhile Philadelphia hosts the Chicago Bulls. The 76ers volition person 10 games remaining successful the regular play astatine that point.

Paul George (8) of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the shot during a crippled against the Cleveland Cavaliers astatine Xfinity Mobile Arena connected Jan. 16, 2026 successful Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

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Before the suspension, George appeared successful 27 games, with the 76ers going 16-11 erstwhile helium was connected the floor. The 35-year-old averaged 16 points successful those contests. In the 20 games without George, Philadelphia went 10-10.

Philadelphia entered Saturday successful sixth spot successful the Eastern Conference standings. The 76ers play the New Orleans Pelicans Saturday night.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

This is simply a breaking quality story. Check backmost for updates.

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