PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 29: Paul George #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on January 29, 2026 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE
Paul George on Jan. 29, 2026.
Paul George has been suspended without pay for 25 games for violating the terms of the NBA's anti-drug program
The Philadelphia 76ers player said that the suspension was due to a mixup that happened with his medication and that he took “full responsibility” for it
His suspension will begin with the 76ers’ scheduled Jan. 31 game against the New Orleans Pelicans
Philadelphia 76ers player Paul George has been suspended by the NBA.
The NBA announced on Saturday, Jan. 31, that George, 35, has been suspended without pay for 25 games for violating the league’s anti-drug program. The NBA did not elaborate on what kind of drug was used.
His suspension will begin with the 76ers’ scheduled Jan. 31 game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, the NBA said. He likely won’t be eligible to play until March 25, when the 76ers will face off in a home game against the Chicago Bulls, per ESPN.
In response to the NBA’s announcement, George told ESPN that the suspension was due to a mixup that happened with his medication and that he took “full responsibility” for the outcome.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 27: Paul George #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball against the Milwaukee Bucks at Xfinity Mobile Arena on January 27, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Bucks 139-122.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 27: Paul George #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball against the Milwaukee Bucks at Xfinity Mobile Arena on January 27, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Bucks 139-122.
"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,” he told the outlet.
George added, “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.”
He concluded his statement saying that he is “focused” on using his time off to “make sure that my mind and body are in the best condition to help the team when I return."
Representatives for George and the NBA did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
The nine-time all star signed a 4-year, $212 million maximum contract with the Philadelphia 76ers in July 2024 as a free agent after leaving the Los Angeles Clippers after five seasons with the team, according to The New York Times.
The suspension will cost George roughly $11.7 million of his $51.7 million salary, according to ESPN. This amounts to just over $469,000 for each of the 25 games missed, per the outlet.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 27: Paul George #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball against the Milwaukee Bucks at Xfinity Mobile Arena on January 27, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 27: Paul George #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball against the Milwaukee Bucks at Xfinity Mobile Arena on January 27, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
When George returns to the basketball court, he will likely have only 10 more games to play for the rest of the regular season.
The 76ers are are in sixth place in the Eastern Conference, with a record of 26-21.