Washington (AFP) – Zion Williamson was suspended one game by the New Orleans Pelicans for a violation of team policy, the NBA club announced on Friday. Williamson was banned for Friday’s game at Philadelphia and will rejoin the Pelicans on Saturday before a Sunday game at defending NBA champion Boston.
According to multiple reports, Williamson missed a team flight on Thursday, leaving the rest of the travelers waiting in vain for his arrival, and it followed late arrivals to other team gatherings. “This one game suspension is a result of failing to meet our team standards,” Pelicans executive vice president of basketball operations David Griffin said. “His dedication to this organization is of paramount significance to us and to him. He has taken accountability for his actions and reaffirmed that commitment to the team. I’m confident he will continue to evolve positively on and off the floor.”
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Williamson missed 27 games over the past two months with a strained left hamstring before returning to the court on Tuesday, scoring 22 points in a loss to Minnesota. The 24-year-old American forward has averaged 22.6 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 5.1 assists a game in seven appearances this season.
Williamson was apologetic but did not go into details in a statement released by the team. “I take full responsibility for this suspension,” Williamson said. “I’ve worked extremely hard in rehab to get healthy to deliver for this team. There’s no excuse for being late to team activities. I have apologized to Mrs. (Gayle) Benson (the team owner) and my teammates and coaches, and I also owe an apology to the fans. I can and will be better as a teammate and member of this organization.”
© 2024 AFP
