The NBA has suspended Philadelphia 76ers star forward Paul George for 25 games without pay for violating the league's anti-drug policy, according to a report from @ShamsCharania.
The disciplinary action was announced on Saturday, dealing a massive blow to the 76ers and their championship aspirations for the current season. Under the terms of the NBA/NBPA collective bargaining agreement, a 25-game suspension is the standard penalty for a first-time violation involving certain prohibited substances. Paul George will begin serving the suspension immediately, which will result in a significant loss of prorated salary for the duration of the ban.
The Philadelphia 76ers front office and head coach Nick Nurse must now find a way to replace George's production in the lineup. The veteran forward was a marquee free-agent acquisition intended to form a "Big Three" alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. The league has not provided specific details regarding the substance that triggered the violation, and the 76ers have yet to release an official statement regarding the matter.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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