Direct answer: Paul George was suspended by the NBA for 25 games for violating the league’s anti-drug program.
Context and sources:
- The NBA announced a 25-game, non-player-salary suspension for George after a breach of the Anti-Drug Policy. The league did not disclose specific substances involved in the violation. This is described across multiple outlets reporting the league’s official decision.[3][6][7]
- George acknowledged he took an improper medication while undergoing treatment for a mental-health issue and apologized, noting the suspension began with an upcoming game date. This framing appears consistently in statements from George reported by ESPN/CBS and other outlets.[2][7][3]
What this means for the Sixers:
- George will miss 25 regular-season games and lose a substantial portion of his salary for those games; estimates commonly cited are about $11.7 million in forfeited pay for the suspension duration.[1][3]
- Return timelines varied in initial reports, but several outlets indicated eligibility to return around late March, depending on the Sixers’ schedule and the calendar for that season.[6][1]
Illustrative note:
- The specifics of the prohibited substance were not disclosed by the NBA, which is typical in anti-drug policy announcements; the focus is on the violation and the length of the suspension rather than the exact substance.[7][1]
If you’d like, I can pull the latest schedule impact (which games he’ll miss) and a quick financial impact summary in a compact table.
Sources
After the NBA announced that Philadelphia 76ers player Paul George has been suspended without pay for 25 games for violating the terms of the league's anti-drug program, George claimed that the…
people.comPaul George of the Philadelphia 76ers has been suspended for 25 games for violating the NBA's anti-drug program.
apnews.comPaul George of the Philadelphia 76ers has been suspended for 25 games for violating the NBA's anti-drug program.
www.cbsnews.comPaul George won't be back until March 25. The veteran cited improper medication as the cause of his suspension.
www.phillyvoice.comNEW YORK, Jan. 31, 2026 – Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George has been suspended without pay for 25 games for violating the terms of the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program, it was announced today by the NBA. George’s suspension will begin with tonight’s game between the 76ers and New Orleans Pelicans at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
official.nba.comPaul George of the Philadelphia 76ers has been suspended 25 games for violating the terms of the NBA's anti-drug program, the league announced Saturday.
www.cnn.comGeorge said in a statement that he took 'an improper medication' while being treated for a mental health issue.
www.nytimes.comOne of Philadelphia's top players will begin his suspension on Saturday
www.cbssports.com