NBA suspends Bucks’ Portis 25 games for violating league's anti-drug policy
The NBA has suspended Milwaukee Bucks big man Bobby Portis for 25 games for violating the league's anti-drug policy.
The Bucks said Portis' suspension was due to a positive test for Tramadol.
"I was dealing with an elbow injury and using an NBA-approved medication for pain and inflammation,” Portis said in a statement released by Milwaukee on Thursday.
“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."
It is a big loss for Milwaukee, which has 29 games left in the regular season and sits in fifth place in the Eastern Conference with a 29-24 record.
The veteran Portis has appeared in 46 games, including seven starts, during his 10th NBA season and is averaging 13.7 points and 8.3 rebounds.
Bobby Portis Jr. has been suspended for 25 games for violating the terms of the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program by testing positive for Tramadol, the league announced today.
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) February 20, 2025
Portis Jr.’s suspension will begin with tonight’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers.
Portis’ minutes had increased recently with Giannis Antetokounmpo sitting out the Bucks’ final six games before the All-Star break due to a left calf strain.
Portis appeared in the last five of those contests, making a pair of starts, and averaged 16.4 points, 11.6 rebounds and 4.2 assists.
Milwaukee did acquire fellow power forward Kyle Kuzma from the Washington Wizards at the NBA trade deadline, and he averaged 17.7 points, nine rebounds and three assists in three consecutive starts prior to the break.
Antetokounmpo, meanwhile, is questionable to play Thursday when the Bucks return to action and host the Los Angeles Clippers.