Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George’s 25-game PED suspension for violating the league’s anti-drug rule sent shockwaves through the league. Shortly after the massive slap, the Sixers star claimed he took “improper medication” for mental health treatment. However, his explanation isn’t sitting well with anyone, not even with NBA experts.
The nine-time All-Star will miss games until March 25 and forfeit $11.7 million. He released a statement taking full responsibility. But the circumstances raised more questions than answers.
Charles Barkley Questions Paul George’s Explanation for PED Suspension
During the recent ESPN’s Tip-Off show, the Inside the NBA crew didn’t buy whatever the Sixers forward said, especially Charles Barkley. Chuck delivered the most brutally honest take on the player who has averaged 16.0 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 27 games this season.
“There’s something fishy going on here,” Barkley said. He made it clear he respects mental health issues, but he couldn’t solve the math of the California native. If George needed medication for legitimate treatment, the league should’ve granted an exception.
“Now, I don’t joke around about mental health. But if you’re taking something for mental health, there’s got to be an outlier to the NBA,” Barkley continued.
He cited DeMar DeRozan and Kevin Love as examples because both of the vocal mental health advocates never faced similar issues.
“We don’t need any player suffering from mental health … but this sounds fishy.”
Charles Barkley and the Inside the NBA panel break down Paul George’s 25-game suspension and what it means for the Sixers moving forward. pic.twitter.com/KfCVC198HO
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) February 1, 2026
“If you’re taking something for mental health, even if it’s on the list, you should get a hall pass,” Chuck argued.
Kenny Smith shared the same skepticism, calling the situation contradictory. “If this is the accurate scene of what happened, isn’t this an oxymoron? You have mental health, and you’re taking medicine for it that you can’t,” Smith said.
They suggested George should’ve applied for a therapeutic use exception. Without that paperwork, the story he narrated absolutely falls apart.
Fans Pile On with Brutal Reactions
NBA fans didn’t hold back on social media because, to be frank, nobody is buying his apology.
“Caught red handed skipping the supervised meds,” one wrote.
“Throwin him under the bus,” another added.
A third echoed the Inside crew, penning, “I absolutely agree with Kenny and Charles. We need more information. If it truly was something PG was taking for mental health then that shouldn’t get you suspended.”
Others raised pointed questions, noting, “Are they given ROIDS for people who have mental health issues now?”
The fourth fan penned, “‘Mental Health’ is what they’ll use to prescribe xanax and opioids if you tell a private doctor you can’t sleep.”
Another shared, “He’s on that smack. This dude knows dam well he took a PED. He could have cleared it with the league.”
The Sixers sit sixth at 27-21. They’ll need to survive without their third star until late March.
