The NBA announced a stunning 25-game suspension for Philadelphia 76ers star forward Paul George following a violation of the league’s anti-drug policy. The suspension, which begins immediately, will cost the nine-time All-Star approximately $11.7 million in lost salary and sideline him during a critical stretch as the 76ers battle for playoff seeding in the Eastern Conference.

In a statement released to ESPN, George expressed remorse, citing a mistake made while seeking treatment for his personal well-being. He said he took an improper medication during that process and accepted full responsibility for the decision, apologizing to his teammates, the organization, and fans. George, who is averaging 16 points per game this season, is not expected to be eligible to return until March 25 against the Chicago Bulls, leaving him with only 10 games remaining in the regular season.

Here are more details on George’s suspension.

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Why was Paul George suspended?

George was suspended for violating the terms of the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program. 

Breaking: 76ers forward Paul George has been suspended 25 games for violating the league’s anti-drug policy, the NBA announced. pic.twitter.com/vVVn7niPGW

— ESPN (@espn) January 31, 2026

“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 to ESPN. “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.”

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How long is Paul George suspended?

George will be suspended for 25 games, starting with Saturday’s game against the Pelicans.

He is projected to be eligible to return on March 25 for a home game against the Chicago Bulls, leaving him with just 10 games remaining in the regular season.

“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,” George said.

During his 25-game suspension, Paul George will miss a substantial portion of the regular season, including several high-stakes matchups against Eastern Conference rivals.

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NBA statement on Paul George suspension

The NBA released a short statement on George.

The following was released by the NBA: pic.twitter.com/hveY31Fzpg

— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) January 31, 2026

The 25-game suspension is usual for first-time violators.

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Paul George statement on suspension 

George sent in his own statement to ESPN, per Shams Charania.

“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. 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.”

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What drug did Paul George take?

The NBA has not publicly disclosed the specific name of the substance involved in the violation. This is standard practice for the league regarding privacy under the anti-drug policy.

However, in his personal statement to ESPN, George stated that he was seeking treatment for an issue related to his mental health.

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Will Paul George appeal suspension?

George will not appeal the 25-game suspension.

After the news broke on January 31, 2026, George stated that he is taking “full responsibility” for the mistake. By owning the error and expressing a desire to use the time away to ensure his “mind and body are in the best condition” for his return, he effectively signaled that he is accepting the league’s penalty without a legal challenge.

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