Bobby Portis receives 25-game suspension after unknowingly violating NBA’s anti-drug policy, missing crucial games for Milwaukee Bucks

Bobby Portis of the Milwaukee Bucks has been handed a 25-game suspension by the NBA for violating its anti-drug policy.

Reports indicate that the suspension comes after Portis unknowingly took a banned substance.

The 30-year-old player will miss all but the last four games of the regular season.

He is eligible to return to action on April 8th, when the Bucks play the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Mistaken Intake of Tramadol

According to Portis’ agent, Mark Bartelstein, the suspension stems from a misunderstanding involving the painkiller Tramadol, which Portis accidentally took.

The NBA had recently added Tramadol to its list of prohibited substances in 2024, following its potential to enhance athletic performance and its addictive properties.

Portis had believed he was taking Toradol, a pain medication that is allowed by the league.

The Mistake and Portis’ Support for the NBA’s Policy

Portis’ agent explained that the Tramadol pill came from one of Portis’ assistants, who had a valid prescription for the painkiller.

The assistant mistakenly told Portis it was Toradol, a similar medication used to treat pain and inflammation.

Portis had been using the drug to manage an elbow injury from the previous fall and was under the impression that it would help him prepare for that night’s game.

Bartelstein emphasized that Portis is not a drug abuser and that this was an honest mistake.

He expressed disappointment that the NBA’s strict interpretation of its drug policy didn’t allow for a different outcome given Portis’ good intentions.

Tramadol’s Role in Sports and the NBA Ban

Tramadol has been banned by the NBA after research from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) linked it to performance enhancement in sports.

This decision was backed by studies conducted by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), which highlighted concerns about the drug’s addictive qualities, particularly in cycling.

Following these findings, WADA added Tramadol to its prohibited list in 2024, and the NBA followed suit shortly thereafter.

Portis’ Impressive Season and Bucks’ Current Standings

This season, Portis has been playing a crucial role for the Bucks, averaging 13.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game in 25.2 minutes of action.

Despite the suspension, the Bucks remain strong, holding the fifth spot in the Eastern Conference standings.

This marks Portis’ first suspension related to drugs, and his fans and teammates are hopeful for his return once the suspension ends.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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