Milwaukee's Bobby Portis Faces Suspension for Taking Wrong Painkiller: Tramadol Instead of Toradol

The NBA has announced a 25-game suspension for Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis Jr. following his positive test for the painkiller Tramadol, which breaches the league’s anti-drug regulations. This suspension, which is without pay, will keep Portis sidelined until at least April 8—the 79th game of the Bucks’ 82-game regular season.

Portis’ suspension took effect during the Bucks’ recent 116-110 win against the Los Angeles Clippers.

In a statement released by the team, Portis explained, “I was managing an elbow injury and was using an NBA-approved medication for pain relief and inflammation. During this period, I made an honest mistake and took a pain-relieving anti-inflammatory that is not allowed. I feel terrible about this and take full responsibility for what I ingest.”

Portis’ agent, Mark Bartelstein, noted that the player took the medication “unknowingly,” believing he was using Toradol, an approved substance he has used in the past. He was unaware that he had taken Tramadol, which, while prescribed, is on the NBA’s list of banned substances.

Bartelstein expressed disappointment in the NBA’s strict interpretation of policy, arguing, “It’s unfortunate that the league cannot account for honest mistakes made with good intentions. Bobby takes pride in representing the NBA and the Bucks, and this has been incredibly challenging for him. Nevertheless, he will accept this penalty with dignity and use it as an opportunity to enhance his performance and reputation on and off the court.”

Bucks head coach Doc Rivers mentioned that Portis’ positive test occurred “some time ago” but refrained from detailing specifics. Rivers advocated for a less severe punishment under the given circumstances.

“I understand the rules, but human circumstances should also be taken into account. Bobby is not a cheater, and it’s essential to look for ways to address situations like this,” Rivers added. “The substances in question are quite similar, and the blood tests indicated this was an isolated incident. It seems reasonable to consider a lighter penalty in such cases. I feel bad for Bobby in so many ways.”

Known for his toughness and pivotal role in the Bucks’ lineup, Portis has been averaging 13.7 points and 8.3 rebounds this season, primarily coming off the bench. Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo offered encouragement, stating, “Bobby might feel he’s letting the team down and could be embarrassed, but I have faith in him. He’ll return ready to help us finish the season strong and compete in the playoffs.”

Portis has already faced a challenging season, missing six games due to his grandmother’s passing and being involved in a recent incident where several athletes, including him, were victims of home burglaries, which led to federal charges being filed against a group of Chilean men in Florida.

“What I told him is that this will become an impressive story for him,” Rivers said.

While Portis is suspended, he is still allowed to practice with the team and attend games, but he must leave the arena two hours before each game starts.

With this suspension, the 30-year-old Portis will forfeit $2,858,701 in salary. As the Bucks resumed play after the All-Star break, they found themselves in fifth place in the Eastern Conference standings.

With recent trades, including the deal involving three-time All-Star Khris Middleton to Washington, Milwaukee was preparing to finally utilize its complete roster. Thursday marked the first occasion when Antetokounmpo played alongside his new teammates Kyle Kuzma, Kevin Porter Jr., and Jericho Sims.

This absence means that the Bucks won’t have their likely playoff core together until very late in the regular season. Bucks guard Damian Lillard reflected on the situation, suggesting, “I remember a year when we faced the Spurs multiple times, and each matchup involved numerous players missing games. As a result, others had to step up, leading to growth and increased trust within the team.”

Lillard continued, “In the playoffs, depth and trust in players are crucial. The next 24 games will be essential to determine our strengths and who we can depend on in various situations.”

Now in his 10th season in the NBA, Portis has spent half of that time with the Bucks. He remains one of four players from Milwaukee’s 2021 championship team, alongside Antetokounmpo, Brook Lopez, and Pat Connaughton.

In his closing statement, Portis expressed, “I sincerely apologize to the Bucks organization, my teammates, coaches, family, and fans. I have always given my all on the court and will greatly miss playing during this time. I will continue to work hard in preparation for our playoff journey. I am truly grateful for the support I have received.”