Paul George apologizes for suspension but sees silver lining in 25-game absence: ‘I’m in a much better place’

76ers forward Paul George apologized Tuesday to the city of Philadelphia, his family, his teammates, the organization and, more generally, to “everybody that was affected” by the 25-game suspension he served without pay for violating the NBA’s anti-drug program.

A day before his expected return to the court against the Chicago Bulls, George looked back at his mistake and forward toward a pivotal 10-game stretch that will determine his team’s playoff or play-in tournament seeding.

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He described the initial emotion of receiving the midseason league ban as “devastation,” however, he’s found a silver lining in an absence that took him out of the lineup for close to two months.

“I’m in a much better place physically. This 25 games was just what I needed, I think, for my body to kind of heal and be in a better place,” the 35-year-old George told reporters, via PHLY Sports. “I’ve been feeling great. I’ve been feeling awesome on the court. And so I’m looking forward to putting it to the test now.”

After being hit with his suspension on Jan. 31, the nine-time All-Star admitted to taking “improper medication” for a mental health issue in a statement to ESPN.

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George was asked Tuesday what that substance was, but he didn’t divulge that information, instead noting that those details were personal. But his remorse was clear, as he peeled back some of the struggles he was dealing with when he turned to the medication.

“Being a pro athlete takes a toll on you, and my body wasn’t where I wanted it to be,” he said. “Obviously I’m going to have an expectation for myself, and that’s what led to the poor decision at the time. But, again, I’ve said it throughout my career dealing with mental health. I’m no superhero. I’m a human, and I made a mistake at that moment.”

“To let people down hurt more than anything going through this process,” noted George, who was complimentary of his teammates for not only supporting him but also rising to the occasion down the stretch of another injury-riddled campaign.

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/paul-george-apologizes-for-suspension-but-sees-silver-lining-in-25-game-absence-im-in-a-much-better-place-213241095.html

Author : Andy Backstrom

Publish date : 2026-03-24 21:32:00

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