Zion Williamson suspended by Pelicans after showing up late to team flight

Zion Williamson was suspended one game by the Pelicans for arriving late to the team’s flight to Philadelphia, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. He’ll miss New Orleans’ Friday night game against the 76ers as a result. NBA insider Chris Haynes reported that Williamson “has been late for multiple practices this season” before Thursday’s incident, leading to the suspension.“I take full responsibility for this suspension,” Williamson wrote in a statement released on NBA.com.“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.”Pelicans executive vice president of basketball operations David Griffin issued a statement that read, “This one-game suspension is a result of failing to meet our team standards.

His dedication to this organization is of paramount significance to us and to him.He has taken accountability for his actions and reaffirmed that commitment to the team today.

I’m confident he will continue to evolve positively on and off the floor.”The latest issue adds to what has been a miserable season for Williamson and the Pelicans. Williamson has been limited to just seven games due to a lingering hamstring injury.Injuries have been the story of the former No.1 overall pick’s career, playing in just 191 of a possible 482 regular-season games.Earlier this season, Williamson split with the powerful Creative Arts Agency, which had represented him since he was drafted in 2019. With Williamson and fellow star Brandon Ingram sidelined for most of the season, the Pelicans have been one of the worst teams in basketball. Heading into Friday’s set of games, New Orleans’ 7-31 record was the worst in the Western Conference and second-worst in the NBA, ahead of only the 6-29 Wizards. ...