NBA suspends 76ers' Paul George for 25 games

League cites violation of anti-drug policy for lengthy suspension

Jan. 31, 2026 at 11:31am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The NBA announced on Saturday that Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George has been suspended for 25 games for violating the league's anti-drug policy. The suspension is one of the longest in recent memory for a player infraction not related to criminal behavior.

Why it matters

George is a star player for the 76ers, and this lengthy suspension will be a significant blow to the team's playoff hopes. The NBA takes its anti-drug policy very seriously, and high-profile violations like this send a strong message about the league's commitment to maintaining a clean and healthy environment for its players.

The details

The specific details of George's violation have not been made public, but the NBA's anti-drug policy covers a range of prohibited substances beyond just recreational drugs. Players can face suspensions for positive tests, failure to comply with treatment programs, or other infractions.

  • The NBA announced the 25-game suspension on January 31, 2026.

The players

Paul George

A forward for the Philadelphia 76ers who has been suspended for 25 games for violating the NBA's anti-drug policy.

Philadelphia 76ers

The NBA team that Paul George plays for, which will be significantly impacted by his 25-game suspension.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We are disappointed to learn of Paul's violation and the suspension. We will work with him and the league to ensure he receives the appropriate support and resources during this time.”

— Daryl Morey, President of Basketball Operations, Philadelphia 76ers

What’s next

The 76ers will need to adjust their lineup and rotations to account for George's absence, which could last over a third of the regular season. The league will also likely continue to monitor George's progress and compliance with any treatment program.

The takeaway

This suspension highlights the NBA's strict enforcement of its anti-drug policy and the significant consequences players can face even for relatively minor infractions. It also underscores the importance of players maintaining a high level of professionalism and accountability, especially for star players whose actions can greatly impact their teams' fortunes.