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

Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis will be sidelined for the next 25 games following a violation of the NBA’s anti-drug policy, the league announced on Thursday. Portis, who has been a key player for the Bucks, failed a drug test due to an error involving medication.

Bobby Portis mistake behind the suspension

Portis' agent, Mark Bartelstein, clarified the situation in a statement, explaining that the failed test was a result of an “honest mistake.” According to Bartelstein, Portis believed he was taking Toradol, a league-approved pain medication, but inadvertently took Tramadol, a prescription opioid that is banned under the NBA's anti-drug program.

Bobby Portis is absolutely not a drug abuser, Bartelstein stated. Bobby works tirelessly on increasing his performance in all-natural, legal, and healthy ways, but he made a mistake and took a pill that unknowingly he should not have. Today, in this instance, I am so 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.

Bobby Portis responds with apology

Portis, acknowledging his mistake, also issued a heartfelt apology.

I feel horrible and recognize that I’m responsible for what I put in my body, he said. 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 will terribly miss playing games for the Bucks during this time.

Tramadol is banned by NBA

Tramadol, which Portis unknowingly ingested, is a prescription-only opioid. Approved by the FDA in 1995, it is used to manage pain post-surgery but is classified as a Schedule 4 controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).

Other medications in this category include Xanax, Ambien, and Valium. Despite its medical use, Tramadol is banned by the NBA due to its potential for abuse.

Bucks’ playoff push

The Bucks, who are currently ranked fifth in the Eastern Conference, are just one game behind the Indiana Pacers for the fourth seed. They are scheduled to return from the All-Star break and will face the Los Angeles Clippers at home tonight at 7 p.m. on WSAU.

With Portis out for the next 25 games, the Bucks will need to adjust their lineup as they look to maintain their momentum in the playoff race.