Zion Williamson will not play in the New Orleans Pelicans’ matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night, the team announced hours before the game. Williamson has been suspended for one game for a violation of team policies. He was late for Thursday’s team flight to Philadelphia, ESPN’s Shams Charania reports.
“This one-game suspension is a result of failing to meet our team standards,” David Griffin, the Pelicans executive vice president of basketball operations, said in a statement. “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 today. I’m confident he will continue to evolve positively on and off the floor.”
Williamson has been limited to seven games this season due to a severe hamstring injury that kept him sidelined for two months. He had only recently returned to action on Dec. 7 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, but sat out of their Dec. 8 matchup with the Portland Trail Blazers on the second night of a back-to-back.
“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 is no excuse for being late to team activities. I have apologized to Mrs. Benson 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.”
Due in large part to Williamson’s absence, along with numerous other injuries, the Pelicans are stuck in last place in the Western Conference at 7-31.
