Zion Williamson suspended for one game by Pelicans due to team rule violation
The New Orleans Pelicans have suspended forward Zion Williamson for one game due to a breach of team policies, as announced by David Griffin, the executive vice president of basketball operations, in a news release on Friday.
As a result, Williamson will not participate in the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday.
Griffin stated, “This suspension is a consequence of not meeting our team’s expectations. Zion’s commitment to our organization means a lot to us. He has recognized his mistake and confirmed his dedication to the team today. I believe he will continue to improve, both on and off the court.”
Reports from ESPN indicate that Williamson was tardy to the team’s flight to Philadelphia on Thursday.
In a statement, Williamson expressed, “I fully own up to this suspension. I have been diligently rehabbing to be healthy and contribute to this team. There’s no justification for being late to team events. I have conveyed my apologies to [Pelicans president] Mrs. [Gayle] Benson, my teammates, and coaches, and I also owe an apology to the fans. I can and will improve as a teammate and member of this organization.”
Williamson is one of the notable players who might be subjected to trade discussions ahead of the February 6 trade deadline. He has only played in seven games this season due to a hamstring injury and made his return after a two-month hiatus on Tuesday, scoring 22 points in a game against Minnesota.