The NBA on Sunday (Saturday evening, US time) slapped Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George with a 25-game suspension for violating the NBA Anti-Drug Program. His ban began with the Sixers’ game against the New Orleans Pelicans on the same day, which Philly won, 124-114.
George, 35, has played in only 27 of the Sixers’ 48 games this season and had been putting up 16.0 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game before the suspension. He recently dropped a season-high 32 points, along with 5 rebounds and 5 assists, in Philly’s 139-122 win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday.
Paul George Takes Responsibility for Ban
The nine-time NBA All-Star soon released a statement to ESPN owning up to the suspension while citing mental health medication as the reason for the adverse drug findings.
“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 told ESPN. “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.”
George’s tenure with the Sixers has been bumpy, to say the least. Last season, the former Fresno State standout played in just 41 games as a series of injuries derailed the 35-year-old’s maiden campaign with the Sixers. The six-time All-NBA Team member has also had an injury-filled 2025–26 season but was seemingly starting to find his stride in recent weeks. In the same statement, George vowed to get better physically and mentally as he looks toward a late-season return.
“I’m 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,” he said.
Paul George will return to action on March 26 when the 76ers play host to the Chicago Bulls. Philly is currently the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference at 27-21.
