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Feb 21, 2025

Bucks' Bobby Portis suspended 25 games for violating NBA's anti-drug program | NBA.com

The Milwaukee forward tested positive for Tramadol and will begin serving his suspension immediately. From NBA.com News Services Bobby Portis is averaging 13.7 points, 8.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists per

The Milwaukee forward tested positive for Tramadol and will begin serving his suspension immediately.

From NBA.com News Services

Bobby Portis is averaging 13.7 points, 8.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game this season.

The NBA has suspended Milwaukee forward Bobby Portis Jr. for 25 games without pay because he tested positive for the painkiller Tramadol, a violation of the league’s anti-drug program.

Portis cannot play again until April 8 — the 79th game of Milwaukee’s 82-game schedule — at the earliest. His suspension starts with Thursday’s game against the LA Clippers (8 p.m. ET, NBA League Pass).

The following has been released by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/8Vo8uCavzF

— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) February 20, 2025

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 am deeply disappointed that the NBA chooses to interpret its policy so strictly, and that the policy does not allow for a different result for an honest mistake with pure intentions,” Bartelstein said in the statement.

“Bobby loves being a part of the NBA and he loves being a role model and a true ambassador for the Bucks and the city of Milwaukee. This has been incredibly difficult for him, but he will accept this penalty with grace and turn this into a great opportunity to improve and further build his reputation and performance in every way, both on and off the court.”

Portis is averaging 13.7 points and 8.3 rebounds per game for the Bucks this season, playing mostly off the bench.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

The veteran big man has been sidelined with a back injury since the first game of the season.

Against all odds, the man replacing an injured Giannis Antetokounmpo provided the emotional spark Milwaukee needed.

Portis was ruled out for the remainder of Game 2 after taking a shot to the face from Bulls' Tristan Thompson late in the 1st quarter on Wednesday.

Bobby Portis' teammates and Milwaukee fans alike have grown to appreciate his energy and hard work.