The NBA has suspended Milwaukee forward Bobby Portis Jr. for 25 games without pay after he tested positive for Tramadol, violating the league's anti-drug program. Portis is set to miss key games, with his suspension commencing during the Bucks' matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers, and will not be eligible to return until April 8, marking the 79th game of Milwaukee’s regular season.
Portis, who has been averaging 13.7 points and 8.3 rebounds per game this season, explained his situation saying, "I was dealing with an elbow injury and using an NBA-approved medication for pain and inflammation. During this time, I made an honest mistake and took a pain-reducing anti-inflammatory pill not approved. I feel horrible and recognize I’m responsible for what I put in my body."
His agent, Mark Bartelstein, emphasized the unintentional nature of Portis's violation, stating, "Bobby thought he was taking Toradol, which is approved, but he inadvertently consumed Tramadol, which is on the NBA’s banned substance list." This oversight has resulted not only in suspension but also financial consequences, with Portis expected to lose approximately $2.9 million in salary during this period.
The Bucks are currently positioned fifth in the Eastern Conference and are facing challenges due to other recent injuries within their squad, particularly with star player Giannis Antetokounmpo managing his own injury recovery. The Bucks' performance statistics highlight Portis’s importance; they have won 21 games when he scores at least 10 points but have struggled significantly—losing 14 games—when he fails to reach this threshold..
"This is very difficult for Bobby and our team," commented Bucks general manager Jon Horst. "He and the Bucks organization respect the NBA/NBAPA Anti-Drug Program and will accept what’s been handed down. We 100% support Bobby. Together we will take this opportunity to grow and will have a stronger Bucks team.”
The suspension takes effect at a challenging time for the Bucks as they attempt to integrate new players following trades and recover from injuries to key performers. Portis was hopeful about coming together as a cohesive unit, expressing enthusiasm about the team’s potential, saying, "The trade deadline was a couple of weeks ago, and we are just now being able to see what it looks like. I think it’s kind of fun for us going forward, especially just to pick the game apart, figure out what everybody does well and try to make it mold."
Having spent ten seasons in the NBA, Portis is one of the remaining players from the Bucks’ 2021 championship roster and has played internationally for USA Basketball at the 2023 World Cup. His experience as part of the Bucks' ultimate success adds to his value as both a player and role model within the organization.
He concluded his public statement with, "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 I 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." Such reflections highlight not only his dedication to his craft but also his desire to leave this incident behind and fully contribute to the team’s aspirations moving forward.