CAMDEN, NEW JERSEY — Paul George sat down at a makeshift table at the Philadelphia 76ers’ practice facility, clasped his hands together, let out a deep breath, and apologized.
He apologized to the city of Philadelphia. He apologized to the 76ers as an organization. He apologized to his teammates for taking the banned substance that led to the NBA suspending him for 25 games.
That suspension is officially over, and the Sixers’ small forward is eligible to play Wednesday night against the Chicago Bulls. George didn’t specify which substance he took, but he took responsibility for the decision and the fallout that ensued.
“I think first and foremost, I just want to give my apology to everybody that was affected through this suspension,” George said. “Obviously, to own up to that as a leader of this group, to know that I let people down hurts more than anything.
“Shoutout to my teammates for having my back and supporting me through this time. Things are on the positive side and I’m looking forward to tomorrow and being available and giving everything I got.”
Paul George with his takeaways from his 25-game suspension. pic.twitter.com/0Q42mW2d56
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) March 24, 2026
There was clear disappointment when George alerted the 76ers organization of his pending suspension, especially given where the team stood at the time.
“Obviously, it was devastation there. Especially, where we were at, I believe we were at fifth seed. I think we had just won a game against Sacramento, or something like that. We’ve been playing good basketball,” George said. “So, there was some devastation, just of momentum that was being built. I think I was starting to trend in a better place. My body was getting better and better over that time, but again, the front office gave me full support.”
George also spoke about the mental toll of his physical decline. He’s not the same explosive athlete that he once was. He doesn’t have the same burst off the dribble. Staying healthy has become more of a challenge, and his body hasn’t responded to games in the way he’s wanted it to.
It led him to make a decision he said he’s come to regret — one that cost Philadelphia’s small forward 25 games in a season where every game has mattered.
Now, George said he’s healthy and that the time off has done him well in a physical sense. He added that he’s ready to return and contribute to a team that’s fighting for playoff positioning.