The NBA has suspended Bobby Portis Jr. of the Milwaukee Bucks for 25 games without pay after he tested positive for Tramadol, a painkiller prohibited by the league’s drug policy.
This means Portis won’t be back on the court until April 8, the 79th game of the Bucks’ season. His suspension started during the Bucks’ recent win over the Los Angeles Clippers.
In a statement, Portis explained that he was trying to manage an elbow injury with an approved pain medication. Unfortunately, he mistakenly took an unapproved pill. “I feel horrible and recognize that I’m responsible for what I put in my body,” he said.
His agent, Mark Bartelstein, noted that Portis did not intend to break any rules. He thought he was taking Toradol, which he had used before and is allowed in the NBA. Portis only later learned he had taken Tramadol, which was prescribed but is banned in the league.
Bucks coach Doc Rivers expressed his disappointment over the strict interpretation of the policy, suggesting that the situation deserved a more lenient approach. He highlighted Portis’s honorable character, stating, “Bobby’s not a cheater.” Rivers believes that human circumstances should play a role in such cases.
Portis is important to the Bucks, averaging 13.7 points and 8.3 rebounds this season as a key player off the bench. His teammate, Giannis Antetokounmpo, mentioned that despite feeling down, Portis will return ready to help the team compete in the playoffs.
This season has already been tough for Portis. He recently missed games due to the death of his grandmother and was involved in a burglary incident that led to federal charges against several men.
Even with the suspension, Portis can practice with the team and attend games, but he must leave two hours before tip-off. Unfortunately, he will lose nearly $2.9 million in salary due to this suspension.
As the Bucks move toward the playoffs, they just acquired new players at the trade deadline and are eager to find their chemistry as a team. With the suspension, they’ll have to adapt and possibly rely on their depth this season.
Portis, now in his 10th NBA season, is one of the remaining members of the Bucks’ 2021 championship team. He expressed his regret in a statement, apologizing to everyone involved with the organization and promising to work hard during his time off.
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