The New Orleans Pelicans have suspended star player Zion Williamson for one game due to a violation of team policies. The announcement was made on Friday after Williamson was reportedly late for the team flight to Philadelphia, which was scheduled for a game against the 76ers.
According to sources, the team’s traveling party had to wait for Williamson for a significant amount of time before departing. Coach Willie Green noted that this was not an isolated incident, indicating that there have been several occurrences that contributed to this decision.
Williamson missed the Pelicans’ 123-115 victory over the 76ers and is expected to rejoin the team on Saturday in anticipation of their matchup against the Boston Celtics on Sunday. In a statement, Williamson expressed regret for being late to “team activities” and took full responsibility for his actions. He apologized to the team’s owner, Gayle Benson, as well as his coaches and teammates, vowing to improve as a teammate and member of the organization.
David Griffin, the Pelicans’ executive vice president of basketball operations, emphasized that Williamson’s commitment to the team is crucial. He acknowledged Williamson’s accountability and expressed confidence in his ability to grow positively both on and off the court.
Prior to his suspension, Williamson had recently returned from a left hamstring strain that had sidelined him for 27 games. He made an impactful return on Tuesday, scoring 22 points in less than 28 minutes during a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
This situation reflects the importance of professionalism in sports, and Williamson’s willingness to take responsibility and work towards improvement could be a turning point in his career. Fans will be looking forward to seeing how he bounces back after serving his suspension.