Sports Desk (MNN); Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George has been handed a 25-game suspension for breaching the NBA’s Anti-Drug Program, the league announced on Saturday.
The NBA did not reveal details about the nature of the violation or the substance involved. However, under the collective bargaining agreement between the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association, a 25-game ban indicates a first-time offence.
The suspension will cost the nine-time All-Star approximately $11.7 million from his $51.7 million salary, translating to nearly $469,700 per game missed.
George is eligible to return on March 25, when Philadelphia hosts the Chicago Bulls. At that stage, the 76ers will have 10 regular-season games remaining.
Philadelphia went into Saturday’s action with a 26-21 record, sitting sixth in the Eastern Conference. The team has posted a 16-11 record in games George has played, compared to 10-10 in his absence.
This season, George has averaged 16 points in 27 appearances for the 76ers, ranking third on the team in scoring behind Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid. Earlier this week, he delivered one of his strongest performances of the season, scoring 32 points, including nine three-pointers, in a victory over Milwaukee.
