Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis Jr. acknowledged making an “honest mistake” after being handed a 25-game suspension for breaching the NBA’s anti-drug policy. The league announced the decision on Thursday, revealing that the 30-year-old had tested positive for Tramadol, a painkiller. As a result, Portis will miss most of the remainder of the season and won’t be eligible to play until April 8.
Portis, who had been averaging 13.7 points and 8.3 rebounds per game this season, expressed regret in a statement released by the team.
“I was dealing with an elbow injury and using an NBA-approved medication for pain and inflammation,” he explained. “During that time, I made an honest mistake and took a pain-reducing anti-inflammatory pill that is not approved. I feel horrible and take full responsibility for what I put into my body.”
Portis offered an apology to the Bucks organization, his teammates, coaches, family, and fans. “I give everything I have on the court, and I will deeply miss playing games for the Bucks during this time.”
“I will keep working hard and stay ready for our playoff run. Thank you for your support; it means more to me than you know,” Portis shared in his statement.
Portis’ agent, Mark Bartelstein, expressed his disappointment over the strict NBA ruling, defending the Bucks forward’s intentions with the painkiller use. “I’m deeply disappointed that the NBA interprets its policy so strictly, and that it doesn’t allow for a different outcome when there was an honest mistake made with pure intentions,” Bartelstein said in a statement.
“Bobby loves being part of the NBA, and he’s passionate about being a role model and ambassador for both the Bucks and the city of Milwaukee. This has been really tough for him, but he will accept this penalty with grace and use it as an opportunity to improve and enhance his reputation and performance, both on and off the court.”
Bucks general manager Jon Horst expressed the team’s respect for the NBA/NBAPA Anti-Drug Program while reaffirming their full support for Portis. “Bobby is an integral part of who we are,” Horst added.
Portis began serving his 25-game suspension during the Bucks’ win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday night.