Bucks' Bobby Portis suspended 25 games for violating NBA's anti-drug policy

Bobby Portis Jr. of the Milwaukee Bucks has received a 25-game suspension without pay after testing positive for Tramadol, a painkiller that breaches the NBA’s anti-drug policy. This decision underscores the league’s commitment to maintaining a drug-free environment for its players.

Portis will not be eligible to return to the court until April 8, coinciding with the 79th game of the Bucks’ 82-game regular season. His suspension will take effect during the upcoming match against the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday.

In a statement released by the team, Portis expressed regret over the situation, stating, “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.”

Portis’s agent, Bartelstein, voiced disappointment regarding the strict interpretation of the league’s policy, noting, “Bobby loves being a part of the NBA and he loves being a role model and a true ambassador for the Bucks and the city of Milwaukee. This has been incredibly difficult for him, but he will accept this penalty with grace and turn this into a great opportunity to improve and further build his reputation and performance in every way, both on and off the court.”

Recognized as one of the league’s more resilient players, Portis has averaged 13.7 points and 8.3 rebounds this season, primarily coming off the bench. His absence will undoubtedly be felt by the Bucks, who have a notable record of 21-10 when he scores at least 10 points. Without him, their performance drops to 8-14.

The financial impact of this suspension is significant, as Portis will forfeit $2,858,701 in salary. This occurs as the Bucks are currently positioned fifth in the Eastern Conference standings, closely trailing the Indiana Pacers and ahead of the Detroit Pistons and Orlando Magic.

Bucks general manager Jon Horst acknowledged the challenges posed by this situation, stating, “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.”

This suspension comes at a time when the Bucks were beginning to integrate new players acquired during the trade deadline, including three-time All-Star Khris Middleton, who was traded to the Washington Wizards.

Meanwhile, two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo is recovering from a strained left calf and is questionable for Thursday’s game. He has yet to play alongside recent additions Kyle Kuzma, Kevin Porter Jr., and Jericho Sims.

After practice, Portis shared his anticipation for the team’s future, 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 into one.”

In his 10th NBA season, Portis has spent a significant portion of his career with the Bucks, contributing to their 2021 championship victory. He also represented the USA at the 2023 World Cup in Manila.

As one of the last four players remaining from the championship team, alongside Antetokounmpo, Brook Lopez, and Pat Connaughton, Portis’s leadership and experience will be missed during his suspension.

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