Milwaukee Bucks’ Bobby Portis Jr. Suspended for 25 Games After Testing Positive for Tramadol

Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis Jr. has been suspended for 25 games after violating the NBA’s anti-drug policy, the league announced on Thursday.

Positive Test for Tramadol

Portis, a key contributor to the Bucks’ 2021 championship-winning team, tested positive for Tramadol, an opioid painkiller. According to the National Institutes of Health, Tramadol is typically prescribed when other pain relief methods fail.

In a statement, Portis expressed regret over the situation, admitting that he had mistakenly taken an unapproved medication.

“I was dealing with an elbow injury and using an NBA-approved medication for pain and inflammation. During that time, I made an honest mistake and took a pain-reducing anti-inflammatory pill that is not approved.

I feel horrible and recognize that I’m responsible for what I put in my body. From the bottom of my heart, I want to apologize to the Bucks organization, my teammates, coaches, family, and fans. I give everything I have on the court and will terribly miss playing games for the Bucks during this time. I will continue to work hard and be ready for our long playoff run. Thank you for your support. I appreciate it more than you know.”

Bucks’ Response and Support

Despite the suspension, Bucks general manager Jon Horst voiced his support for Portis, acknowledging the difficult circumstances.

“This is a very difficult set of circumstances for Bobby and our team. He and the Bucks organization respect the NBA/NBAPA Anti-Drug Program and will accept what’s been handed down.

But we 100% support Bobby. Together we will take this opportunity to grow and will have a better and stronger Bobby and Milwaukee Bucks team. He’s an integral part of who we are, a huge member of the Milwaukee community, and we look forward to his return.”

Clarification from Portis’ Agent

Portis’ agent, Mark Bartelstein, explained that the 30-year-old had mistakenly believed he was taking Toradol, a different pain medication that is not banned by the NBA.

“I am devastated for Bobby right now because he made an honest mistake, and the ramifications of it are incredibly significant. The Tramadol pill he took came from an assistant of his, with a valid prescription for the painkiller, which he mistakenly told Bobby was Toradol.

This was, again, an honest mistake that was made because of the similarity in the names of the drugs and the fact they both serve a very similar purpose.”

Impact of the Suspension

Portis’ suspension, which is without pay, begins with Thursday night’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Fiserv Forum. He will be eligible to return for Milwaukee’s home game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on April 8, just before the end of the regular season.

The Bucks currently hold the fifth spot in the Eastern Conference with a 29-24 record. If they qualify for the postseason, Portis’ availability will not be affected.

This season, Portis has played in 46 of Milwaukee’s 54 games, averaging 13.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game. He has also been a top-three finalist for the Sixth Man of the Year award in each of the past two seasons, highlighting his importance to the team.

While his absence will be felt, both Portis and the Bucks remain committed to overcoming this setback and finishing the season strong.