NBA superstar and scout for the Philadelphia 76ers Paul George has been suspended for 25 games, the league announced Saturday, Jan. 31, however Charles Barkley he’s not buying the explanation.
“Something fishy is going on here,” the NBA Hall of Famer said on Saturday’s episode of Inside the NBA. “Now, I don’t joke about mental health, but if you’re taking something for mental health, that has to be atypical for the NBA. Like my girl Judge Judy says, ‘if it doesn’t make sense to me, it doesn’t make sense,’ because I like Paul George … but if you’re taking something for mental health, even if you have to approve it.”
He continued: “There’s never a good reason to take a performance-enhancing drug. But if you’re taking a drug for your mental health, you should get a pass.”
According to the league, George violated the NBA/NBPA anti-drug program. The NBA did not clarify how the star violated the policy or what drug — or drugs — was allegedly involved.
“For the past few years, I have spoken about the importance of mental health, and in the course of recently seeking treatment for a problem of mine, I made the mistake of taking the wrong medication,” George said. ESPN Saturday of his suspension. “I take full responsibility for my actions and apologize to the Sixers organization, my teammates and Philly fans for my poor decision-making during this process.”
He continued: “I’m focused on using this time to make sure my mind and body are in the best condition to help the team when I return.”
Paul George
Mitchell Leff/Getty ImagesThe 25-game suspension began Saturday, with the Philadelphia 76ers’ game against the New Orleans Pelicans, and could last until March 23.
“Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George has been suspended without pay for 25 games for violating the terms of the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program, the NBA announced today,” read a statement from the league. “George’s suspension will begin with tonight’s game between the 76ers and the New Orleans Pelicans at Xfinity Mobile Arena.”
George, a nine-time NBA All-Star, signed a 4-year, $212 million contract with the 76ers in July 2024, after spending five seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers. For ESPNthis suspension will cost George $11.7 million.
Sir Charles Barkley has spoken out and he is not happy with the NFL. Barkely, 62, relieved NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and the league of scheduling three games on Christmas Day, a holiday traditionally reserved for the NBA, where Barkley played for 16 seasons. “I mean, it’s great because you have five games,” Barkley said (…)
Barkley NBA analyst and Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal also intervened Inside the NBA.
“They give us a handout on what to do and what not to do,” he said. “They give us a notebook. They also give you, in the notebook, how long it takes to get rid of something. So I don’t want to go into what he was doing, but things like this shouldn’t happen because they give you a notebook that says don’t take this, this, that. Letter of the law. Don’t take any of that stuff. And when you know what the league is, it does.”
George is averaging 16 points per game so far this season, his 16th in the league.
The 76ers are 27-21 on the year, currently sitting in sixth place in the Eastern Conference.