Pelicans suspend Zion Williamson after he was reportedly late to team flight to Philadelphia

New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) slam dunks ahead of Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) in the second half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) (Gerald Herbert/AP)

By Kari Anderson, Yahoo Sports

January 10, 2025 at 5:24 pm EST

New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson has been suspended by the team for one game for violating team policies. Williamson will miss Friday night's matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers as a result of the suspension.

Williamson's punishment reportedly came as a result of the 24-year-old forward showing up late to the team's flight to Philadelphia, per ESPN's Shams Charania.

The Pelicans announced the suspension on Friday, but did not clarify the specific violation.said only that the punishment was "for a violation of team policies."

Pelicans have suspended forward Zion Williamson for one game for a violation of team policies, announced today by Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations David Griffin.

Zion will miss tonight’s game against the Philadelphia 76ers and will rejoin the team tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/zP5Q6GMUQr
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) January 10, 2025