Philadelphia 76ers wing Paul George has been suspended 25 games for violating the terms of the NBA’s antidrug program, the league announced Saturday.
The NBA did not disclose the nature of the violation or the substance involved. The 25-game suspension, by terms of the agreement between the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association, indicates that this was a first violation by George, 35, who has been in the league since 2010.
The suspension will cost George — a nine-time NBA All-Star — roughly $11.7 million of his $51.7 million salary, or about $469,691.72 for each of the 25 games missed.
George is expected to be eligible to return on March 25, when Philadelphia hosts the Chicago Bulls. The 76ers will have 10 games remaining in the regular season at that point.
Philadelphia entered Saturday at 26-21, sixth in the Eastern Conference standings. The 76ers are 16-11 when George plays, 10-10 when he does not.