NBA imposes 25-game suspension on Paul George for drug policy violation
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Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George was suspended 25 games by the NBA for violating the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program, the league announced in a statement Saturday.
The league did not reveal the nature of George’s violation, but in a statement to ESPN, the nine-time NBA All-Star said he was “taking inappropriate medication.”
“Over the past few years, I have discussed the importance of mental health, and recently while seeking treatment for an issue of mine, I made the mistake of taking inappropriate medication. I take full responsibility for my actions and apologize to the Sixers organization, my teammates, and the Philadelphia fans for my poor decision-making during this process,” his statement read.
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“I’m focused on using this time to make sure my mind and body are in the best condition to help the team when I return.”
Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George shoots the ball against the Milwaukee Bucks during the third quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia on January 27, 2026. (Bill Streicher/Image Images)
The 25-game suspension, under the terms of the agreement between the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association, indicates that this is a first offense by George.
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George will not be paid during the suspension, costing the 76ers forward an estimated $11.7 million of his $51.7 million salary.
Paul George of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball against the Denver Nuggets at Xfinity Mobile Arena on January 5, 2026 in Philadelphia. (Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
George is expected to be eligible to return on March 25, when Philadelphia hosts the Chicago Bulls. The 76ers will have 10 games left in the regular season at that point.
Paul George of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball during a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Xfinity Mobile Arena on January 16, 2026 in Philadelphia. (Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
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Before the suspension, George appeared in 27 games and the 76ers went 16-11 when he was on the court. The 35-year-old averaged 16 points in those contests. In the 20 games without George, Philadelphia went 10-10.
Philadelphia entered Saturday in sixth place in the Eastern Conference standings. The 76ers play the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday night.
The News contributed to this report.
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Chantz Martin is a sports writer for News Digital.