Bobby Portis, a forward for the Milwaukee Bucks, has received a 25-game suspension without pay for violating the NBA’s anti-drug policy. He tested positive for Tramadol, a substance banned by the league.
Portis’ agent, Mark Bartelstein, explained that this incident was an honest mistake. According to him, Portis believed he was taking Toradol, a legitimate pain medication. Instead, he mistakenly took Tramadol, which is not permitted. Bartelstein claimed that an assistant gave Portis the wrong medication, leading to the mix-up.
“Bobby is not a drug abuser,” Bartelstein stated. “He strives to improve his performance in approved ways. This was an unfortunate mistake, and I am disappointed the NBA’s policy doesn’t allow for exceptions in cases like this.”
In a heartfelt statement, Portis acknowledged his mistake and expressed regret. “I feel terrible and take full responsibility for what I consume. I want to apologize to the Bucks organization, my teammates, coaches, family, and fans. I give my all on the court and will miss playing with the team during this time.”
Jon Horst, the Bucks’ general manager, voiced support for Portis amid this challenging situation. He noted, “This is tough for Bobby and our team, but we stand firmly behind him.”
Portis’ suspension means he won’t return to the court until April 8, when the Bucks play the Minnesota Timberwolves. After that, only four regular-season games remain in the schedule. Right now, the Bucks are fifth in the Eastern Conference, trailing the Indiana Pacers by one game.
This season, Portis has participated in 46 games, averaging 25.2 minutes, 13.7 points, and 8.3 rebounds per game. His absence will be felt as the team approaches the playoffs, highlighting the importance of each player in their quest for success.
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Bobby Portis,Milwaukee Bucks,the Bucks,Mark Bartelstein,Stacy Revere,NBA,honest mistake,Minnesota Timberwolves,Indiana Pacers
