Bucks’ Bobby Portis Suspended 25 Games for Tramadol Violation/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis was suspended 25 games for testing positive for Tramadol, a banned substance under the NBA’s anti-drug program. Portis claimed he mistakenly took Tramadol instead of the league-approved Toradol for an elbow injury. The suspension sidelines him until early April, just before the playoffs.
Bobby Portis Suspension Quick Looks:
- Length of Suspension: 25 games without pay; eligible to return April 8.
- Reason: Tested positive for Tramadol, mistakenly taken instead of approved Toradol.
- Salary Impact: Portis loses $2.86 million in salary due to the ban.
- Player Reaction: Portis apologized, calling it an “honest mistake” and vowed to be playoff-ready.
- Team Impact: Bucks lose key bench contributor averaging 13.7 points and 8.3 rebounds.
- Coach Doc Rivers: Criticized the punishment as harsh given the circumstances.
- Giannis Antetokounmpo: Expressed confidence Portis will return strong for the playoffs.
- Damian Lillard: Emphasized the team’s need to build depth during Portis’ absence.
- Additional Challenges: Portis has faced personal hardships this season, including family loss and a burglary.
- Bucks’ Current Standing: Fifth in the Eastern Conference with a retooled post-trade deadline roster.
Bucks’ Bobby Portis Suspended 25 Games for Tramadol Violation
Deep Look:
The Milwaukee Bucks will be without a key member of their rotation as the NBA suspended forward Bobby Portis Jr. for 25 games following a positive test for the banned painkiller Tramadol. The suspension, which began during the Bucks’ 116-110 win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday, sidelines Portis until April 8, just before the end of the regular season.
Portis, who has been dealing with an elbow injury, explained that he believed he was taking Toradol, an NBA-approved pain reliever he has used previously. Instead, he inadvertently consumed Tramadol, which, while prescribed legally, is prohibited under the league’s anti-drug policy.
“I feel horrible and recognize that I’m responsible for what I put in my body,” Portis said in a statement. “It was an honest mistake. I’ll use this time to grow and come back ready for the playoffs.”
Financial and Team Impact:
Portis’ suspension will cost him approximately $2.86 million in lost salary. The Bucks, currently fifth in the Eastern Conference, lose a valuable contributor averaging 13.7 points and 8.3 rebounds off the bench. With just a few games remaining upon his return, reintegrating Portis before the playoffs will be a challenge for the team.
Team Reactions:
Head coach Doc Rivers voiced sympathy for Portis while acknowledging the league’s strict policies. “Rules are rules, but this feels harsh,” Rivers said. “It was an honest mistake, and anyone who knows Bobby knows he’s not a cheater.”
Two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo offered encouragement: “Bobby feels like he’s let us down, but I know he’ll come back ready. His competitive spirit is something we need.”
Star guard Damian Lillard took a pragmatic view, emphasizing the opportunity to develop team depth during Portis’ absence: “This stretch will show us who we can rely on when it counts.”
Seasonal Challenges for Portis:
This suspension is another hurdle in what has been a difficult year for Portis. He previously missed six games after the death of his grandmother and was among several athletes targeted in a burglary ring, with federal charges filed against suspects this week.
Despite these setbacks, Rivers remains optimistic: “This is going to be one hell of a story for Bobby. He’s resilient.”
Looking Ahead:
The Bucks, fresh off trade deadline moves and with a revamped roster featuring additions like Kyle Kuzma and Kevin Porter Jr., now face the challenge of securing playoff positioning without their key forward. With Portis’ return aligned with the final stretch of the season, Milwaukee hopes to have their full lineup ready for a deep playoff run.
Portis, reflecting on the situation, concluded: “From the bottom of my heart, I apologize to my team, fans, and family. I’ll be ready when the time comes.”
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