Paul George, Suspended 25 Games for Doping, Will Return This Wednesday
CAMDEN, New Jersey — Paul George declined to elaborate on the specifics of the failed drug test that resulted in a 25-game suspension, but stated he is mentally and physically prepared to assist the Philadelphia 76ers in their pursuit of a playoff berth during the final 10 games of the season.
George will be back on the court with the Sixers on Wednesday night against the Chicago Bulls.
Sixers Navigating Challenges Without Key Players
The Sixers have gone 13-12 during George’s absence, and also played the last 13 games without an injured Joel Embiid. As of Tuesday night, their record stands at 39-33, placing them seventh in the Eastern Conference standings.
George was suspended in late January for violating the terms of the NBA’s anti-doping program.
Addressing the Suspension and Mental Health
He began his statement Tuesday at the 76ers’ complex in New Jersey by apologizing to the team, its fans, and his family for the poor judgment that led to his flunked test
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“To let people down hurt more than kind of anything,” George said.
George explained that his decision to employ a banned substance was connected to a mental health issue stemming from an offseason knee injury that impacted his performance this season.
“The most difficult thing is when your body isn’t where you know it needs to be or where it once was,” George said. “That leads and bleeds into the mental side of things, knowing that you’re limited. But for me, I feel good, my body is feeling great. Mentally, I know I’m capable of doing what I can do and what I’ve been able to on the court for years.”
George’s Performance and Contract
George has averaged 16 points in 27 games for the Sixers this season. He had a strong performance just before his suspension, scoring 32 points with nine 3-pointers in a win over Milwaukee.
The 35-year-old signed a four-year, $212 million contract in free agency prior to the 2024 season. However, his first year in Philadelphia was affected by knee and adductor injuries.
George averaged 16.2 points in just 41 games, his lowest scoring average in a full season since his second NBA season.
He underwent surgery on his left knee in July after sustaining an injury during training, causing him to miss the first 12 games of this season.
“Being a professional athlete takes its toll on you,” George said. “My body wasn’t in the state I wanted it to be in. In terms of performance expectations—since my body wasn’t where it needed to be—I obviously was going to push myself a lot. That’s what led me to create a bad decision at the time.”
George noted that the time away allowed his body to recover from lingering injuries, which has also improved his mental state.
“I believe these 25 games of absence were just what my body needed,” he said.
The suspension cost George approximately $11.7 million of his $51.7 million salary.
“I’ve said it my entire career when it comes to mental health: I’m not a superhero,” George said. “I am human and, at that moment, I made a mistake.”
Team Context and Playoff Push
Embiid has missed the last 13 games due to a strained right oblique muscle, and Tyrese Maxey has been out for nine consecutive games with a finger injury.
George expressed his readiness to contribute offensively and facilitate the Sixers secure a playoff spot.
“I have felt wonderful; I feel explosive again, I feel strong again,” he commented. “I feel that I have recovered that level that allows me to perform at my best, assume the leading role and act as the team’s main scoring leader.”
FAQ
- How long was Paul George suspended for? He was suspended for 25 games.
- What was the reason for Paul George’s suspension? He violated the terms of the NBA’s anti-drug program.
- When will Paul George return to play? He will return on Wednesday night against the Chicago Bulls.
Did you know? Paul George’s lengthy absence coincided with time to heal a nagging knee injury.
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