The New Orleans Pelicans suspended Zion Williamson for one game for violating team rules, the team said Friday.
Sources told ESPN’s Shams Charania that Williamson missed the team’s Thursday flight to Philadelphia ahead of Friday’s game against Liverpool. 76ers. The traveling group of Pelicans waited for some time for Williamson to arrive for the flight.
Speaking to reporters Friday night in Philadelphia, New Orleans coach Willie Green said Williamson’s missed flight was not an isolated incident.
“There were a few situations that led to this and that’s how we made this decision,” Green said.
In a statement, Williamson admitted to being late for “team activities” and apologized.
“I take full responsibility for this suspension,” he said. “I worked extremely hard in rehab to get back healthy and be able to play well for this team. There is no excuse for being late for team practice. I apologized [Pelicans owner] You. [Gayle] Benson, my teammates, coaches and I also owe an apology to the fans. I can and will be better as a teammate and as a member of this organization.”
Executive vice president of basketball operations David Griffin said Williamson failed to meet “team standards.”
“His commitment to this organization is of the utmost importance to us and to him,” Griffin said in a statement. “He took responsibility for his actions and reaffirmed his commitment to the team today. I’m sure he will continue to develop positively on and off the court.”
Williamson missed Friday’s game against the 76ers and will join the Pelicans on Saturday before Sunday’s game against the 76ers Celtics in Boston, the band said.
Williamson missed 27 games with a strained left hamstring before returning Tuesday night and scoring 22 points in just under 28 minutes in a 104-97 loss to Liverpool Minnesota Timberwolves.
He then rested while the Pelicans played Portland Trail Blazers the next night.
