Philadelphia 76ers Star Paul George Suspended 25 Games After Failed Drug Test, Says “Improper Medication” Led to Ban

The Philadelphia 76ers just took a major hit to their season, and it came without warning. Paul George has been suspended for 25 games after violating the NBA’s anti-drug policy, a decision first reported by Shams Charania of ESPN. The suspension immediately sidelines one of the Sixers’ highest-paid stars during a critical stretch of the season.

George addressed the situation directly, saying the positive test stemmed from a treatment decision tied to 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 said in a statement, per Charania. “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 carries a steep financial penalty. George is expected to lose roughly $11.7 million from his $51.6 million salary this season.

On the court, availability has already been an issue. George has appeared in 27 games this season, averaging 16 points in 30.5 minutes per game. He missed the first 12 games after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his left knee and played only 41 games last season, his first year with Philadelphia after signing a four-year, $212 million deal.

Since teaming up with Kawhi Leonard on the Los Angeles Clippers in 2019, George has played more than 56 games in a season just once.

Philadelphia, currently sixth in the Eastern Conference at 26–21, will feel the absence immediately. George begins serving the suspension Saturday night against the New Orleans Pelicans and will be eligible to return in late March.