Paul George suspended 25 games for violating anti-drug policy, per reports

Jan 31, 2026 - 20:00

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 29: Paul George #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers look on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on January 29, 2026 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

According to multiple reports, the NBA is suspending Philadelphia 76ers standout Paul George 25 games for violating the league’s anti-drug policy. ESPN insider Shams Charania shared the news first on social media, posting about the suspension early Saturday afternoon.

George underwent knee surgery in July of 2025, and has been working his way back into the lineup for the 76ers this season. While Philadelphia has managed his minutes at times this season, including holding him out of a back-to-back in January with a “left knee injury management” designation, has started 27 games this year for the Sixers.

Over his 27 games, George is averaging 16 points per game, 5.1 rebounds per game, and 3.7 assists per game. He is also averaging just over 30 minutes per game. Two games ago, a 139-122 win over the Milwaukee Bucks, George poured in 32 points on 11-for-21 shooting. Only a 35-point outburst against the Atlanta Hawks back in December was a bigger night for George.

As of publication, the NBA has not disclosed the involved substance. Per the league’s Collective Bargaining Agreement, a 25-game suspension indicates that this is a first offense for George.

Should he begin serving the suspension immediately, George would be eligible to return on March 25, when Philadelphia hosts the Chicago Bulls. The 76ers will have 10 games remaining in the regular season at that point. As of Saturday, Philadelphia is sixth in the Eastern Conference with a 26-21 record.

The Sixers are 16-11 when George is in the lineup, 10-10 when he is not.

Update: In a statement to the media, George cited an “improper medication” he has been taking 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. 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,” said George.

“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.”