Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis Jr. has been handed a 25-game suspension for breaching the NBA’s anti-drug regulations, as announced by the league.
The 2021 NBA champion yielded a positive test for Tramadol, an opioid often utilised for pain management. According to the National Institutes of Health, it is usually prescribed when other pain relief options are ineffective or unsuitable.
In his statement, Portis admitted that he unintentionally took a pill that is not sanctioned by the NBA.
“I was managing an elbow injury with an NBA-approved medication for pain and swelling,” he explained. “During this period, I made a regrettable mistake and ingested a pain-relief anti-inflammatory pill that is not permitted.”
“I feel terrible and acknowledge that I am accountable for what I consume. From the depths of my heart, I want to apologise to the Bucks organisation, my teammates, coaches, family, and fans.”
“I invest everything I possess on the court and will profoundly miss competing for the Bucks during my suspension. I will remain dedicated to preparing for our extended playoff journey. Thank you for your understanding; I genuinely appreciate it.”
As a result of the suspension, Portis will forfeit $4.6 million in salary during this period.
Bobby Portis’s error will cost him $4.6 million in wages. Getty
Bucks general manager Jon Horst accepted the suspension while expressing support for Portis.
“This is an incredibly challenging situation for Bobby and our team,” he commented. “He and the Bucks organisation hold the NBA/NBAPA Anti-Drug Program in high regard and will comply with the decision made.”
“However, we fully support Bobby. Together, we’ll use this opportunity for growth, emerging with a stronger Bobby and Milwaukee Bucks team. He’s a vital part of our identity, a key member of the Milwaukee community, and we eagerly await his return.”
Portis’ agent, Mark Bartelstein, communicated to CNN Sport that the 30-year-old mistakenly thought he was taking another pain-reliever, Toradol, which is not on the banned list.
“I am heartbroken for Bobby at this moment because he made an honest error, and the consequences are substantial,” he stated.
“The Tramadol pill he took was obtained from an assistant who had a valid prescription for the medication, but he erroneously informed Bobby that it was Toradol. This was yet another honest mistake stemming from the similarity of the drug names and their intended uses.”
CNN has reached out to the National Basketball Players Association for their perspective.
Portis’ suspension will commence with Friday’s match against the Los Angeles Clippers at Fiserv Forum.
He is next expected to be available when the Bucks host the Minnesota Timberwolves on April 8, which will mark Milwaukee’s fourth-last game of the regular season.
The Bucks are currently positioned fifth in the Eastern Conference standings with a record of 29-24. If they qualify for the playoffs, Portis’ suspension will not hinder his participation.
The forward has finished in the top three in voting for the Sixth Man of the Year award in each of the past two seasons and has participated in 46 out of Milwaukee’s 54 games this season, averaging 13.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.2 assists.
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