{"id":573414,"date":"2026-01-31T18:28:18","date_gmt":"2026-01-31T18:28:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/573414\/"},"modified":"2026-01-31T18:28:18","modified_gmt":"2026-01-31T18:28:18","slug":"nba-disciplines-76ers-paul-george-following-anti-drug-program-breach","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/573414\/","title":{"rendered":"NBA disciplines 76ers\u2019 Paul George following anti-drug program breach"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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Philadelphia 76ers<\/a> star Paul George was suspended 25 games by the NBA for violating the NBA\/NBPA Anti-Drug Program, the league announced in a statement on Saturday.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The league did not disclose the nature of George\u2019s violation, but in a statement to ESPN<\/a>, the nine-time NBA All-Star said he was “taking an improper medication.”\u00a0<\/p>\n

“Over the past few years, I\u2019ve 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,” his statement read.”<\/p>\n

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“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.”<\/p>\n

\"Paul <\/p>\n

Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (8) shoots the ball against the Milwaukee Bucks during the third quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Jan. 27, 2026. (Bill Streicher\/Imagn Images)<\/p>\n

The 25-game suspension, by terms of the agreement between the NBA<\/a> and the National Basketball Players Association, indicates that this was a first violation by George.<\/p>\n

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George will not be paid during the suspension, which will cost the 76ers forward an estimated $11.7 million of his $51.7 million salary.<\/p>\n

\"Paul <\/p>\n

Paul George of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball against the Denver Nuggets at Xfinity Mobile Arena on Jan. 5, 2026, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Mitchell Leff\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

George is expected to be eligible to return on March 25, when Philadelphia hosts the Chicago Bulls.<\/a> The 76ers will have 10 games remaining in the regular season at that point.<\/p>\n

\"Paul <\/p>\n

Paul George (8) of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball during a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Xfinity Mobile Arena on Jan. 16, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Emilee Chinn\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

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Before the suspension, George appeared in 27 games, with the 76ers going 16-11 when he was on the floor. The 35-year-old averaged 16 points in those contests. In the 20 games without George, Philadelphia went 10-10.<\/p>\n

Philadelphia entered Saturday in sixth place in the Eastern Conference standings. The 76ers play the New Orleans Pelicans Saturday night.<\/p>\n

The Associated Press contributed to this report.<\/p>\n

This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.<\/p>\n

Follow Fox News Digital\u2019s sports coverage on X<\/a>, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Chantz Martin is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.<\/p>\n