Bucks big man Bobby Portis Jr. has been suspended 25 games without pay for violating the terms of the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program, the league announced today (via Twitter).
Portis tested positive for Tramadol. According to Drugs.com, Tramadol “is an opioid agonist that may be used to treat moderate to moderately severe chronic pain in adults.”
Portis’ suspension will begin with tonight’s game between the Bucks and Clippers. Milwaukee played 53 games prior to the All-Star break, which means Portis won’t be eligible to return until April 8, when the team hosts Minnesota.
Milwaukee is 29-24 and in no danger of dropping out of the postseason picture. However, with the team emerging from the break with the fifth-best record in the Eastern Conference, Portis’ suspension could impact whether it holds onto a top-six spot and an automatic berth into the first round.
Portis is one of the league’s top reserves. This season, he’s averaging 13.7 points, 8.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 25.2 minutes per game. He’s come off the bench in 39 on 46 games played.
According to Portis’ agent Mark Bartelstein, Portis took the drug by accident.
“I am devastated for Bobby right now because he made an honest mistake and the ramifications of it are incredibly significant,” Bartelstein told ESPN’s Shams Charania. “Bobby unintentional took a pain medication called Tramadol, thinking he was taking a pain medication called Toradol.
“Toradol is an approved pain medication that he has used previously and the teams and players use for pain and inflammation at times. Tramadol, however, is not an approved pain medication and was just recently added to the banned substance list this past spring. The Tramadol pill came from an assistant of his, with a valid prescription f0r the painkiller, which he mistakenly told Bobby was Toradol.”
Portis and Bucks general manager Jon Horst also issued statements via a team press release. Portis was apologetic for his “honest mistake” and Horst said that the team will accept the suspension.
“I was dealing with an elbow injury and using an NBA-approved medication for pain and inflammation,” Portis said. “During that time, I made an honest mistake and took a pain-reducing anti-inflammatory pill that is not approved. I feel horrible and recognize that I’m responsible for what I put in my body. From the bottom of my heart, I want to apologize to the Bucks organization, 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 playoff run. Thank you for your support. I appreciate it more than you know.”
“This is a very difficult set of circumstances for Bobby and our team,” Horst said. “He and the Bucks organization respect the NBA/NBAPA Anti-Drug Program and will accept what’s been handed down. But we 100% support Bobby. Together we will take this opportunity to grow and will have a better and stronger Bobby and Milwaukee Bucks team. He’s an integral part of who we are, a huge member of the Milwaukee community, and we look forward to his return.”
With Portis often serving as the backup center to Brook Lopez, recently acquired big man Jericho Sims could have a significant role the remainder of the season. Taurean Prince, who was projected to lose his starting role with the trade acquisition of Kyle Kuzma, will also likely absorb some of Portis’ minutes.
Portis is in the third year of a four-year, $48.6MM contract. He holds a $13,445,754 option on his contract for next season.
The Bucks will be able to move Portis to the suspended list after he serves the first five games of the suspension, which would open up a spot on the club’s 15-man roster until he’s reactivated.
Another blow to the Bucks.
Damn. Stupid, stupid, stupid. Portia plays an important role for the Bucks; this definitely hurts them.
That Merchant Of Venice guy is overrated.
oh no!!!
Drugs dot com huh
Not cool. He seems like a good guy. Wonder if he has real pain from injury. Or previous surgery. Trust me pain from surgery can last a long time. Booby Bucks need you man. ……
“Portis took the painkiller “unintentionally,” said his agent, Mark Bartelstein. Portis thought he was taking Toradol, which is approved and is something that he has taken before, Bartelstein said in details first given to ESPN and that he later confirmed to The Associated Press. Portis did not realize that he was taking Tramadol — which was properly prescribed but is on the NBA’s banned substance list.
I told you Bucks to trade Portis, Pat Con, Delon Wright, Ryan Rollins and picks for a veteran starting SG and back PG but no you messed up the team
Kuzma (I like shooting dya basketball) , Rollins(gonna steal something) and Kevin Porter (I’m gonna beat you)
Sounds like another selfish player who hurts his team by making bad decisions.
@13
If this was a recreational drug, I might agree with you. If this is truly for pain management, then it might mean whatever was legal didn’t work enough. Him taking it to try and stay on the floor doesn’t seem fair to call “selfish.”
Opioids are created and used for medicinal purposes, but are abused recreationally by a lot of people. It starts as pain management, then turns into chasing the side-effect feelings the painkillers gives you. Tramadol may be a weak opioid relative to the things I am sure you are probably thinking of, but it can be used recreationally. I am not saying Portis is addicted to painkillers though, but you don’t know him and of course his agent will defend him for anything. I doubt he accidently took it.
Good ole’ Crazy Eyed Bobby strikes again!
I have been working for 25 years etc etc blah blah blah I was taking that I believe because of pain and I remember my eyes used to twitch and go crazy to were I didn’t want to take it anymore. They call Portis crazy eyes. How long has he been using the stuff? Maybe I could be thinking of something else
I used to take tramadol, I forget why, but my regular GP doctor prescribed it.
Bobby Portis falling off presents an even greater opportunity for Kyle Kuzma, who just got engaged to be married.
Damn assistants. Just never can find a good one who knows medication.
Jericho Sims your time is now
Going to believe him on this one and give him another chance. I understand the rules of the drugs. I have always wondered with how strict they are on this stuff and how carful the players have to be. Honestly I am surprised that with the way the world is. What happens if a jealous player who wants more playing time whether it be in the NBA, MLB or even NFL. What if someone puts it in the players water bottle or food , so the player ahead of them gets suspended just so they can get a chance. I gotta believe someday someone will test positive and never know they will be ” drugged”.
You make some good points. Makes me think of a friend of mine w some really nice oceanfront property in Iowa. I can probably get you a good deal if you’re interested.
Remember when the Brewers player Braun got caught withy steroids in his system and claimed the test expert tainted it. A couple years later got caught again and admitted he was on steroids.
Can’t he appeal? And why wouldn’t you if this was truly an honest mistake?
The appeals process doesn’t let you off for an honest mistake. In the end you are responsible for what goes into your body.
I figured as much. Seems a little silly it couldn’t be appealed down to, say, 18 games or something.
Obvious mistake and it makes sense. Similar pills similar names.
The walls have come down for Jericho!
Seems excessive
The Kuzma for Middleton trade suddenly looks a whole lot better.
The amount of people who can’t empathize with someone being addicted to painkillers is incredibly sad. He’s not taking steroids, he’s not doing fun drugs like weed or coke, he’s addicted to painkillers. Have some decency and hope nobody you know and love gets hooked. Hopefully the league can help him and we’re not watching the beginning of the end for Bobby Portis.
Addicted? Did I miss something?
Looking at the two names I can definitely see how the mixup could happen. So I’m inclined to take him at his word.
I’ll never understand why anyone would take something from one of their friends, or an assistant, when it isn’t prescribed to you specifically. The medical staff that is available to the players is better than what is available to anyone. Why take someone’s script? Intentional or not, there’s no excuse for this. Serve it, do the time, and don’t be so dumb ever again.
That was worth 25 games?
The league is cooked…
How that gets 25 games and Ja and Draymond get bugger all for their stupidity is astounding…