Milwaukee Bucks star Bobby Portis Jr apologises for 'honest mistake' after positive drug test lands 25-game ban from NBA
Published 21/02/2025 at 10:05 GMT
Bobby Portis Jr has been handed a 25-game suspension by the NBA after testing positive for banned painkiller Tramadol. The ban is set to keep the Milwauwee Bucks forward out until April at the earliest, with just three matches of the season remaining. Portis said in a statement: "I feel horrible and recognise that I’m responsible for what I put in my body."
Bobby Portis Jr. #9 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on March 12, 2024
Image credit: Getty Images
Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis Jr admitted to an "honest mistake", as he was handed a 25-game suspension for violating the NBA's anti-drug policy.
The league confirmed the decision on Thursday, as the 30-year-old tested positive for the painkiller Tramadol, and is now set to miss the majority of the remainder of the campaign and unable to play until April 8.
Portis, who according to the NBA had averaged 13.7 points and 8.3 rebounds per game for the Bucks this season, apologised for the findings in a statement posted by the team.
"I was dealing with an elbow injury and using an NBA-approved medication for pain and inflammation," said Portis Jr.
"During that time, I made an honest mistake and took a pain-reducing anti-inflammatory pill that is not approved.
"I feel horrible and recognise that I’m responsible for what I put in my body. From the bottom of my heart, I want to apologise to the Bucks organisation, my teammates, coaches, family, and fans.
"I give everything I have on the court and will terribly miss playing games for the Bucks during this time.
"I will continue to work hard and be ready for our long play-off run. Thank you for your support. I appreciate it more than you know."
Portis' agent, Mark Bartelstein, went on to condemn what he felt was a strict ruling by the NBA, and felt the Bucks forward only had "pure intentions" with his intake of the banned painkiller.
"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," Bartelstein said in a statement.
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"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."
Bucks general manager Jon Horst added that while the team "respect the NBA/NBAPA Anti-Drug Program," that he also retains "100% support" behind Portis, who is an "integral part of who we are".
Portis served the first match of his 25-game suspension during the Bucks' victory over Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday night.
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