Shock for the Philadelphia 76ers. Paul George has been suspended for 25 games by the NBA for violating the league’s anti-drug program.
The league announced this in a statement. The forward was quoted by ESPN immediately after the announcement and expressed regret for his mistake:
“In recent days, I have talked a lot about the importance of mental health, and I have recently sought treatment for it. In doing so, I made a mistake and took prohibited medication. I take full responsibility for this and would like to apologize to the Philadelphia 76ers, my teammates, and the fans for my poor decisions. I will use this time to ensure that my body and mind are in the best possible condition when I return.”
George loses nearly $12 million
The suspension will cost George around $11.7 million, but at least he will still have ten games left to play before the playoffs begin. The former All-Star had recently been getting into better and better shape, including setting a new franchise record with nine three-pointers against the Milwaukee Bucks.
The forward has played a total of 27 games so far this season, averaging 16 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists. He shot 42.4 percent from the field and 38.2 percent from the three-point line and was a good addition to the two stars Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. However, his best days seem to be over, even though George continues to be paid like an All-Star. In 2024, George signed a four-year, $212 million contract in Philly, and he even has a player option for the final year of the contract. After a disastrous preseason, things are going a little better for Philly. With a 26-21 record, the Sixers are currently ranked sixth in the Eastern Conference.