Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis Jr. has been handed a 25-game suspension by the NBA after testing positive for Tramadol, a banned opioid pain reliever. The league announced the suspension on Thursday, citing a violation of its anti-drug policy. Tramadol is typically used for severe pain management when other medications prove ineffective. This ruling sidelines Portis for a significant portion of the regular season, impacting the Bucks as they continue their push for the playoffs.
Portis Takes Responsibility, Bucks Stand by Him Amid Suspension and Future Return
In response to the suspension, Portis issued a statement admitting to an unintentional mistake. He explained that while recovering from an elbow injury, he mistakenly took a pain-relieving anti-inflammatory pill that was not approved by the NBA. Expressing deep remorse, he took full responsibility for his actions and apologized to the Bucks organization, his teammates, and fans. Despite the setback, Portis reassured supporters that he remains committed to the team and will be ready for the playoffs.
Bobby Portis Jr.Bucks general manager Jon Horst addressed the situation, stating that while the team respects the NBA’s anti-drug policy, they fully support Portis during this difficult time. He emphasized Portis’ importance to both the team and the Milwaukee community. Horst remained optimistic that the experience would lead to growth for both Portis and the organization, and he looks forward to the forward’s return later in the season.
Medication Mix-Up Led to Suspension, Impacting Bucks’ Playoff Push and Portis’ Return
Portis’ agent, Mark Bartelstein, clarified the circumstances that led to the violation. According to him, Portis had intended to take Toradol, a legal pain medication, but was mistakenly given Tramadol by an assistant who had a valid prescription for it. Bartelstein called it an unfortunate and costly mix-up, emphasizing that the mistake was unintentional and stemmed from the similarity in the names and uses of the two medications.
Portis’ suspension, which is without pay, began with Thursday’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers. He will be eligible to return on April 8, just before the end of the regular season. The Bucks, currently positioned in the Eastern Conference playoff race, will miss his contributions off the bench. Portis has been a key player for Milwaukee, averaging 13.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game this season. His return will provide a significant boost as the team aims for a deep postseason run.
