Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis Jr. has been suspended for 25 games after testing positive for Tramadol, a banned substance under the NBA's anti-drug policy. The suspension results from an alleged mix-up between Tramadol and Toradol, with Portis mistakenly taking the wrong medication. The suspension significantly impacts the Bucks, who are currently fifth in the Eastern Conference.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis Jr. faces a 25-game suspension without pay following a violation of the NBA's anti-drug policy. The suspension stems from Portis testing positive for Tramadol, a pain medication not approved by the league. This incident marks a significant setback for both Portis and the Bucks, who are in a competitive position within the Eastern Conference. Portis is a key player for the team, known for his scoring and rebounding off the bench.
The NBA has suspended Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis Jr. for 25 games without pay due to a positive test for Tramadol, a substance banned under the league's anti-drug policy. The suspension was announced on February 20, 2025, and will take effect immediately, beginning with the Bucks' game against the LA Clippers. Portis will lose approximately $2.85 million in salary due to the suspension. This decision sidelines Portis for a significant portion of the remaining season, with his earliest return date being April 8 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, leaving only four games in the regular season for his participation[1][2].
The suspension of Bobby Portis Jr. is reportedly due to an accidental mix-up between two medications: Tramadol, which is banned, and Toradol, which is approved by the NBA. According to Portis' agent, Mark Bartelstein, Portis believed he was taking Toradol to manage pain from an elbow injury, but was mistakenly given Tramadol by an assistant. This error was unintentional, as both medications serve similar purposes. Despite the mix-up, Portis has decided not to appeal the suspension, accepting the consequences and expressing regret for the oversight. Bartelstein emphasized that Portis is not a drug abuser and adheres to natural and legal methods to enhance his performance[2][3].
Bobby Portis' suspension is a significant blow to the Milwaukee Bucks, who are currently positioned fifth in the Eastern Conference standings. Portis has been a key contributor off the bench, averaging 13.7 points and 8.3 rebounds per game. His absence will leave a notable gap in the team's rotation, as he is one of the top sixth men in the league. The Bucks will need to adjust their strategy and possibly make roster changes to compensate for his absence. General Manager Jon Horst expressed support for Portis, acknowledging the difficult circumstances but emphasizing the team's backing of him. The Bucks have a roster spot available to potentially fill the void left by Portis during his suspension[3][4].
The suspension of Bobby Portis Jr. underscores the strict enforcement of the NBA's anti-drug policy, even in cases of accidental violations. While Portis' absence presents a challenge for the Milwaukee Bucks, the team remains supportive of him as he navigates this difficult period. Portis' incident serves as a reminder of the importance of diligence in medication management within professional sports. As the Bucks continue their season, they will need to adapt to the loss of a key player and explore options to maintain their competitive edge in the Eastern Conference.
"I am devastated for Bobby right now because he made an honest mistake and the ramifications of it are incredibly significant." - Mark Bartelstein
"I feel horrible and recognize that I'm responsible for what I put in my body." - Bobby Portis
"This is a very difficult set of circumstances for Bobby and our team ... we 100% support Bobby." - Jon Horst