In a shocking update, the Philadelphia 76ers’ forward Paul George has been suspended for 25 games for violating the league’s anti-drug policy. ESPN’s NBA analyst Shams Charania shared the news on social media; however, the league has not shared the nature of the violation or the substance used by the NBA player. PG spoke to ESPN after the suspension.
The 76ers are 26-21 this season and are placed in sixth place in the Eastern Conference, as the team seemed to be slowly getting on track. PG, even though averaging just 16 points and 5.1 rebounds this season, has been a crucial part of the team’s starting lineup.
A 25-game suspension, the first-level punishment for violation, as per the rules of the league, will surely have a profound impact on the team’s rotation, who were looking to make a deep playoff run.
After the decision of suspension was shared on social media, George talked to ESPN and said that the substance was an “improper medication” for her mental health treatment:
“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. 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.”
PG added:
“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.”
The nine-time NBA All-Star will lose about $11.7 million from his $51.7 million salary this season. He is expected to return to the court on March 25 in Philadelphia against the Chicago Bulls.
The 76ers are 16-11 when Paul George plays and 10-10 without him on the court. He averages 30 minutes a game this season and has made crucial plays, especially in the absence of Joel Embiid. In the team’s victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on January 27, PG had a 32-point game and led the team to a win, shooting nine 3-pointers.
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