The NBA faces another suspension scandal as Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis Jr. has received a 25-game suspension for violating the NBA’s anti-drug policy.
The NBA confirmed that the 30-year-old tested positive for Tramadol, a medication used for short-term pain relief.
Portis apologised for the incident in a statement released by the Bucks, stating that he made “an honest mistake” by taking the substance to treat an elbow injury.
Portis’ agent, Mark Bartelstein of Priority Sports, told ESPN that Portis had taken the medication thinking it was an alternative painkiller Toradol which is approved by the NBA.
The main difference between the two medications is that Tramadol is an opioid whereas Toradol is a non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug.
Portis – currently averaging 13.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.2 assists this season for the Bucks – will lose out on $2.85 million in salary payments. The Bucks can sign a replacement after the sixth game of the suspension.
Portis’ incident is the first in a while since Tristian Thompson was suspended for testing positive for Ibutamoren in January 2024.
In recent years, the NBA has seen several high-profile players suspended for long periods of time, such as Golden State Warriors’ Draymond Green and Memphis Grizzlies’ Ja Morant. Green was suspended for violent conduct on the court whereas Morant received his suspension for numerous incidents of “flashing a gun” on an Instagram live stream.
The duration of Portis’ suspension is tied for the 10th longest in NBA history, and 8th longest for a player. The record longest suspension belongs to Ron Artest of the Indaian Pacers who received an 86-game suspension for a brawl with a fan.
Portis is one of the main bench players for the Milwaukee Bucks, who will see the power-forward/Center return with just four games left before the NBA Playoffs. It gives coach Doc Rivers a headache, as he is trying to create some chemistry between the Bucks current players and new additions, Kyle Kuzma, Jerricho Sims and Kevin Porter Jr.
The Milwaukee Bucks are currently fifth in the Eastern Conference with 32 wins and 24 loses.
