Bobby Portis of Milwaukee Bucks Suspended for 25 Games for Using Banned Substances
The National Basketball Association (NBA) announced on Thursday that Milwaukee Bucks player Bobby Portis Jr. has been suspended for 25 games without pay after testing positive for the banned substance Tramadol.
The league added that Portis’s suspension (aged 30) will take effect starting from the Friday game against the Los Angeles Clippers.
According to the International Testing Agency (ITA), Tramadol is a synthetic opioid painkiller listed on the prohibited substances list, but it can also enhance physical performance.
Portis, who won the NBA championship with the Bucks in 2021, is averaging 13.7 points and 8.3 rebounds per game in 46 appearances this season.
Portis stated in a press release: “I was dealing with an elbow injury and was given medication approved by the league to manage pain and inflammation. During this period, I made a grave mistake and took an anti-inflammatory pill that is not allowed. I feel bad and take full responsibility for what I put into my body. I deeply apologize to the Bucks organization, my teammates, coaches, family, and the fans. I give everything I have on the court, and I will greatly miss playing with the Bucks during this time.”
Bucks General Manager Jon Horst stated that Portis and the team accept the suspension.
Horst added: “But we support Bobby 100%. We will use this opportunity together to grow, and we will have a better and stronger version of Bobby and the Bucks. He is an integral part of us and an influential member of the Milwaukee community, and we look forward to his return.”
