Bill Simmons Hints at Truth Behind 76ers' Paul George Suspension

Podcast host claims he knows the real reason for the 25-game ban.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 1:18am

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NBA analyst Bill Simmons recently suggested on his podcast that he is aware of the specific substance that led to 76ers star Paul George's 25-game suspension for violating the league's anti-drug policy. Simmons and co-host Wosny Lambre hinted they know the details, but declined to reveal the substance, saying they could only "pretend" not to know.

Why it matters

George's suspension has been shrouded in mystery, with the NBA only stating it was a first-time offense under the CBA. Simmons' comments provide a tantalizing glimpse into the real story behind the suspension, which has significant implications for George and the 76ers as they push for a playoff spot.

The details

George was suspended for 25 games after violating the NBA's anti-drug program. While the league did not disclose the specific substance, George himself said he made the "mistake of taking an improper medication" related to a mental health issue. On Simmons' podcast, he and Lambre suggested they know what that substance was, but declined to reveal it, saying they could only "pretend" not to know.

  • George was suspended on March 1, 2026.
  • George is eligible to return on March 25, 2026 against the Chicago Bulls.
  • George has already missed 32 games this season prior to the suspension.

The players

Paul George

All-Star forward for the Philadelphia 76ers who was suspended 25 games for violating the NBA's anti-drug program.

Bill Simmons

Prominent NBA analyst and host of The Bill Simmons Podcast, where he hinted at knowing the real reason behind George's suspension.

Wosny Lambre

Co-host on The Bill Simmons Podcast who also suggested he knows the substance that led to George's suspension.

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What they’re saying

“Paul George is perpetually unavailable, when he's not injured he's getting suspended for, we don't know what. I think I know what the guy was suspended for.”

— Wosny Lambre, Co-host, The Bill Simmons Podcast

“Well we know what it was, I think.”

— Bill Simmons, Host, The Bill Simmons Podcast

What’s next

George is eligible to return on March 25 against the Chicago Bulls, leaving approximately 10 regular-season games before the playoffs.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges around transparency in professional sports suspensions, as the NBA and players often keep the specifics private. Simmons' comments suggest there may be more to the story behind George's suspension, raising questions about the league's policies and the impact on teams and players.