Paul George suspended 25 games for drugs violation in major blow

Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George was suspended 25 games for violating the NBA’s anti-drug policy, ESPN reported.

George attributed the positive test to taking an improper medication while seeking treatment for a mental health issue.

“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, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. “I take full responsibility for my actions and apologize to the 76ers organization, my teammates and Philadelphia 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 nine-time All-Star 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 during the offseason.

Last season, his first with Philadelphia after signing a four-year, $212 million contract, George played in 41 games while dealing with multiple injuries.

The suspension will cost George approximately $11.7 million of his $51.6 million salary this season. Since the 2019-20 season, when he joined the Los Angeles Clippers, he has played more than 56 games in a season only once.

The suspension is a significant setback for the 76ers, who are sixth in the Eastern Conference at 26-21. George will begin serving the suspension Saturday night against New Orleans and will be eligible to return in late March.