New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson has been suspended for one game for a violation of team policies, the team announced on Friday. Williamson has been late to several practices and flights this season, leading to the decision to suspend him.
The 24-year-old Williamson has been plagued by injuries, playing in just seven of the Pelicans’ 38 games this season. Despite the setbacks, he has shown flashes of his talent, including a monster dunk on Tuesday against Minnesota, where he spun 360 degrees in the air and threw down a crowd-pleasing, double-clutch, roundhouse jam.
Williamson apologized to team owner Gayle Benson and the entire organization for his behavior, saying, “I take full responsibility for this suspension. 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.”
The Pelicans will also be without forward Herb Jones, who has a posterior labrum tear in his right shoulder and will be sidelined indefinitely. Jones has played in 20 of the team’s 38 games this season, averaging 10.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.9 steals in 32.4 minutes per game.