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Jason George Breaks Silence on Doping Ban With Account of Addiction and Return

He portrays his drug use as self-medication, denying he knowingly took crystal meth.

Overview

  • In his first in-depth interview since returning to play, the 24-year-old says mental-health struggles fueled dependence and that he used drugs to numb pain rather than for performance.
  • NADA imposed a two-year, four-month suspension for MDMA and methamphetamine following a positive 2023 test, with the period of provisional suspension credited.
  • George denies intentional meth use and asserts the trace finding likely stemmed from contaminated cocaine, a point he says was supported by follow-up samples.
  • He alleges a prior incident with then-Bayern coach Andrea Trinchieri accelerated his downward spiral, a claim reported as his account and not independently verified.
  • Eligible again in 2025, he signed with Würzburg Baskets in December 2025 and has resumed Bundesliga play, calling the sanction a turning point that aided his recovery.