76ers’ George Suspended 25 Games for Improper Medication Use
The NBA has suspended Paul George of the Philadelphia 76ers for 25 games due to a violation of its anti-drug policy. This decision was announced on a Saturday, and it represents a significant penalty for the veteran player.
Details of the Suspension
In a statement, George expressed regret for his actions. He acknowledged mistakenly using improper medication while seeking treatment for mental health issues. George said, “I take full responsibility for my actions and apologize to the Sixers organization, my teammates, and the Philly fans.”
Impact on the 76ers
George’s suspension begins immediately, starting with a game against the New Orleans Pelicans. He will be eligible to return on March 25, when the 76ers face the Chicago Bulls. By that time, only ten regular-season games will remain.
- Average Points per Game: 16
- 3-Point Shooting Percentage: 38%
- Games Played This Season: 27
His absence will likely affect the team’s performance. Philadelphia currently holds a 26-21 record and is positioned sixth in the Eastern Conference. The 76ers are 16-11 with George on the court and 10-10 when he is absent.
Financial Implications
George’s suspension will result in a loss of approximately $11.7 million from his $51.7 million salary. This equates to about $469,691 per game missed. Furthermore, the suspension enables the 76ers to save over $5 million in luxury tax payments.
Despite the challenges, Joel Embiid remains hopeful about the team’s prospects. He acknowledged, “I love all the guys that are here. I think we got a shot to compete.”
As the 76ers navigate this critical stretch of the season, they aim to maintain their competitive edge even without George’s contributions.
