Zion Williamson suspended by New Orleans Pelicans as NBA star is handed final punishment for breaking strict team rules
After nearly missing the team jet, NBA player Zion Williamson was suspended for the Philadelphia 76ers’ game against the New Orleans Pelicans.
After a spirited 123-115 victory away from home at Wells Fargo Center, the Pelicans improved to 8-31 on the season.
Nevertheless, star player Williamson was not on the floor following his suspension for “violating team policies.”
As the Pelicans got ready to take a plane to Philadelphia on Wednesday, Williamson, a former No. 1 overall choice, came late.
According to NBA Insider Chris Haynes, it came after “multiple practices” in which the 24-year-old had been careless with his timekeeping.
Williamson apologized profusely to the New Orleans fan base after receiving a one-game suspension.
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“This suspension is entirely my fault,” Zion declared.
“I’ve put a lot of effort into getting well in rehab so that I can contribute to this club.
“Being late for team activities is never acceptable.
“I owe an apology to the fans as well as to [owner] Mrs. Benson, my teammates, and coaches.
“I can and will be better as a teammate and member of this organization.”
Williamson had “taken accountability” for his actions, according to Pelicans Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations David Griffin.
“This one-game suspension is a result of failing to meet our team standards,” Griffin said before the game.
“Zion’s commitment to this organization is extremely important to both him and us.
“Today, he reiterated his devotion to the team and accepted responsibility for his conduct.
“I m confident he will continue to evolve positively on and off the floor.”
In an attempt to allay his skeptics, Williamson bulked up throughout the summer by following a strict diet and exercise schedule.
New rights deal
Three networks and the NBA inked an 11-year agreement for the league’s rights starting in 2025–2026.
Additionally, for the first time since the network’s 1988 debut, TNT will not be hosting any games.
ESPN and ABC will continue to broadcast the league’s 80 regular-season games, according to The Walt Disney Company.
The NBA Finals will continue to be held there, along with about 18 playoff games from the first and second rounds and a Conference Finals series for ten of the eleven years.
For the first time since 2002, NBC will broadcast the NBA again.
Up to 100 games will be broadcast on the network’s channels and Peacock streaming service each season.
In addition, it will host NBA All-Star games and include about 28 first- and second-round playoff games.
NBC will alternate with upstart broadcaster Amazon Prime to telecast one Conference Finals Series for six of the eleven years.
66 NBA regular-season games, including one on Black Friday, will be available on Amazon.
The complete Play-In Tournament and the final stages of the NBA Cup are also available on the streaming service.
Additionally, about one-third of the first- and second-round playoff games will be televised on Prime.
According to The Athletic, his new diet consists of fruit smoothies, salmon fried in avocado oil, and scrambled eggs.
Before, the 24-year-old had dietary issues and received backlash from people like ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith.
“His problem was food,” Smith stated in August on his YouTube channel.
“I’m not exaggerating when I tell y’all you got people in the NBA that say he was hiding food under his bed.”
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Zion and the Pelicans (8-31) have had a terrible start to the season despite his physical changes.
Williamson had a hamstring strain and missed 27 games before making a comeback on January 7.