The Pelicans are suspending Zion Williamson for one game due to repeated delays

The New Orleans Pelicans have suspended power forward Zion Williamson for Friday night’s game against Philadelphia for violating team policies.

Williamson has been delayed this season in multiple Pelicans or Jets practices, resulting in a one-game suspension.

“There were many moments that led to this and that’s how we came to this decision,” said coach Willie Green before the 76ers game.

Williamson has been sidelined with various injuries for more games than he has played since his debut at Duke in 2019. He appeared in just seven of New Orleans’ 38 games this season. The Pelicans went 2-5 in those games, and 5-26 without him.

Related: Top landing spots for New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson

Williamson, 24, apologized in a statement to club owner Gayle Benson and the entire organization for his behaviour.

“I take full responsibility for this suspension,” he said. “I have worked very hard in rehab to get healthy to meet the needs of this team. There is no reason to be late for team activities. I have apologized to Mrs. Benson and my teammates and coaches and I must also apologize to the fans. . I can and will be better as a teammate and member of this organization.”

Williamson showed off another of his skills with a monster dunk on Tuesday against Minnesota.

Williamson symbolically announced his return from a 27-game injury layoff with a broken dunk in which he spun 360 degrees in the air while throwing down a crowd-pleasing, two-catch, circle jam.

Williamson also had six rebounds, four assists, three steals and a block on Wolves center Rudy Gobert. After a few minutes on the court, he fired up the crowd with a two-handed dunk off CJ McCollum’s long alley-oop lob.

Williamson, however, was taken out of the next game against Portland on rest and will now miss two consecutive games without being available for the Sixers.

The Pelicans play again Sunday in Boston.

“This one-game suspension is the result of failing to meet the standard of our team. His commitment to this organization is very important to us and to him,” said Pelicans vice president David Griffin. “He has taken responsibility for his actions and confirmed that commitment to the team today. I’m sure he will continue to develop well both internally and externally.”

The Pelicans will also play Friday without leading scorer and defensive end Herb Jones. Jones has a posterior labrum tear in his right shoulder that will forever define him.

Jones underwent an MRI on Thursday after leaving Wednesday night’s loss in Portland.

Jones also missed 18 games earlier this season with the same shoulder injury before returning on Dec. 5 and starting 16 straight games.

Jones has played in 20 of New Orleans’ 38 games this season, averaging 10.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.9 steals in 32.4 minutes per game.

It is reported by the Associated Press.

Want good news delivered to your inbox? Create or sign in to your FOX Sports account, follow leagues, teams and players for a personalized daily newsletter!

---

---