Paul George Suspended 25 Games For Violating Anti-Drug Policy

 

Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George has been handed a 25-game suspension without pay by the NBA for breaching the league's anti-drug program. The announcement came on January 31, 2026, and George's ban begins immediately with the team's matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans.

In a statement released through ESPN, the 35-year-old veteran explained that the violation stemmed from mistakenly taking 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. He added that he takes full responsibility for the error and is committed to complying with the league's policies moving forward.

This season, George has appeared in 27 games for the Philadelphia 76ers, averaging 16 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. His most recent performance was a standout 32-point effort in a victory over the Milwaukee Bucks. The suspension will sideline him until March 25, when he becomes eligible to return against the Chicago Bulls, covering the final 10 games of the regular season.

The NBA's anti-drug policy, jointly administered with the National Basketball Players Association, includes provisions for testing and penalties related to substances of abuse, performance-enhancing drugs, and marijuana. Violations can result in suspensions ranging from a few games to indefinite bans, depending on the severity and recurrence.

As the 76ers navigate this setback, all eyes will be on how the team adapts and whether George can return stronger as the season's crucial end approaches.