Bobby Portis Jr. Faces 25-Game Suspension for Policy Violation

The NBA has imposed a 25-game suspension on Milwaukee forward Bobby Portis Jr., without pay, after he tested positive for the painkiller Tramadol, breaching the league’s anti-drug regulation. This suspension means Portis can only return to the court on April 8 at the earliest, which is the 79th game in Milwaukee’s 82-game lineup. The penalty begins with Thursday’s matchup against the LA Clippers.

According to his agent, Mark Bartelstein, Portis took the painkiller “unintentionally,” believing it to be Toradol, a permitted substance that he had previously used. Bartelstein explained these details initially to ESPN, and later reaffirmed them to The Associated Press. Tramadol, while legally prescribed to Portis, is on the NBA’s list of prohibited substances.

In a statement, Bartelstein expressed his dismay, “I am deeply disappointed that the NBA chooses to interpret its policy so strictly, and that the policy does not allow for a different result for an honest mistake with pure intentions.” He added that Bobby cherishes his role in the NBA and aspires to be a role model and ambassador for the Bucks and the Milwaukee community. This setback has been challenging for him, yet he intends to embrace the punishment graciously, viewing it as an opportunity to enhance his skills and reputation both on and off the court.

So far this season, Portis has been delivering an impressive performance, averaging 13.7 points and 8.3 rebounds per game, mostly coming off the bench for the Bucks.