The NBA has handed Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George a 25-game suspension -without pay – for violating its anti-drugs policy.
The 35-year-old, a nine-time All Star, joined the 76ers back in 2024 on a four-year, fully-guaranteed contract worth more than $211.5million.
George is slated to earn around $50m this season but he will now miss a significant chunk of the 2025 campaign for what he called a ‘mistake.’
The precise circumstances that led to the 25-game suspension have not been confirmed, with the NBA revealing only that George ‘violated the terms of the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program.’
In a statement on Saturday, the 76ers star said he took ‘an improper medication’ while ‘seeking treatment’ for a issue with his mental health.
‘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.
The NBA has handed Paul George a 25-game suspension for violating its anti-drugs policy
‘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.
‘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 suspension will be enforced immediately, meaning George will miss Saturday’s clash between the 76ers and the Pelicans.
The 35-year-old joined the NBA in 2010, when he was drafted 10th overall by the Indiana Pacers. He has also played for the Oklahoma City Thunder and Los Angeles Clippers.
