Latest news with #NBAPAAnti-DrugProgram
Reuters
20-02-2025
- Sport
- Reuters
Bucks' Bobby Portis Jr. suspended 25 games for positive drug test
February 20 - Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis Jr. was suspended 25 games without pay by the NBA on Thursday for violating the league's anti-drug policy. The NBA said Portis tested positive for the drug Tramadol, a medication used to treat severe pain among adults. "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." Portis' agent, Mark Bartelstein of Priority Sports, told ESPN that his client confused Tramadol with an approved pain medication called Toradol. "This was, again, an honest mistake that was made because of the similarity in the names of the drugs and the fact they both serve a very similar purpose," Bartelstein said. .".. Bobby Portis is absolutely not a drug abuser. Bobby works tirelessly on increasing his performance in all natural, legal, healthy ways, but he made a mistake and took a pill that unknowingly he should not have." Portis' ban begins with the Bucks' game against the visiting Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday night. "This is a very difficult set of circumstances for Bobby and our team," Bucks general manager Jon 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 percent 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." Portis, 30, is averaging 13.7 points, 8.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 46 games (seven starts) this season. An NBA champion with Milwaukee in 2021, Portis has averaged 11.9 points and 7.2 rebounds in 651 career games (153 starts) with the Chicago Bulls, Washington Wizards, New York Knicks and Bucks. Entering play Thursday, the Bucks are 29-24 and in fifth place in the Eastern Conference. With 29 games left on the schedule, the Bucks could have Portis for just four games before the regular season ends April 13. According to Spotrac, the suspension will cost Portis nearly $2.9 million in pay.
Chicago Tribune
20-02-2025
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
Milwaukee Bucks' Bobby Portis suspended 25 games after testing positive for banned painkiller
The NBA suspended Milwaukee Bucks 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 the Bucks' 82-game regular-season schedule — at the earliest. His suspension starts with Thursday's game against the Los Angeles Clippers. 'I was dealing with an elbow injury and using an NBA-approved medication for pain and inflammation,' Portis said in a statement the team released. '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.' Portis took the painkiller 'unintentionally,' said his agent, Mark Bartelstein. Portis thought he was taking Toradol, which is approved and which he has taken before, Bartelstein said in details first given to ESPN and later confirmed to The Associated Press. Portis did not realize 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, considered one of the league's tougher players and a key part of the Bucks rotation, is averaging 13.7 points and 8.3 rebounds this season playing mostly off the bench. He's in his fifth season in Milwaukee after beginning his career with the Chicago Bulls in 2015. The 30-year-old Portis will lose $2,858,701 in salary because of the suspension, which comes with the Bucks starting post-All-Star-break play fifth in the Eastern Conference — one game behind the No. 4 Indiana Pacers, one game ahead of the No. 6 Detroit Pistons and 3½ games ahead of the No. 7 Orlando Magic. It's a blow to the Bucks, who are 21-10 when Portis scores at least 10 points this season. When he doesn't, they're 8-14 — and entering Thursday, they're 2-5 this season when he doesn't play, with all five losses by at least 10 points. 'This is a very difficult set of circumstances for Bobby and our team,' Bucks general manager Jon Horst said in a statement. '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.' The suspension happens just when the Bucks appeared on the verge of getting their full roster together after making multiple moves at the trade deadline, including the trade of three-time All-Star wing Khris Middleton to the Washington Wizards. Two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo missed the Bucks' last six games before the All-Star break with a strained left calf, but he practiced Wednesday and is questionable for Thursday's game. Antetokounmpo still hasn't played alongside new Bucks Kyle Kuzma, Kevin Porter Jr. and Jericho Sims, who joined the team at the deadline. Portis spoke to the media after practice Wednesday and was asked how much he was looking forward to seeing how the team might fare once everyone was available. 'The trade deadline was a couple of weeks ago and we are just now being able to see what it looks like,' he said. 'It's kind of fun for us going forward, especially just to pick the game apart, figure out what everybody does well and try to make it mold into one.' Portis is in his 10th NBA season. He was part of the Bucks' 2021 championship team and played for USA Basketball at the 2023 World Cup in Manila. He's one of four remaining players from the championship squad along with Antetokounmpo, Brook Lopez and Pat Connaughton. 'From the bottom of my heart, I want to apologize to the Bucks organization, my teammates, coaches, family and fans,' Portis said in his statement. '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.'
CBC
20-02-2025
- Sport
- CBC
Bucks' Bobby Portis suspended 25 games by NBA for taking banned substance
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 regular-season schedule — at the earliest. His suspension starts with the Bucks' game Thursday against the Los Angeles Clippers. "I was dealing with an elbow injury and using an NBA-approved medication for pain and inflammation," Portis said in a statement released by the team. "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." 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, considered one of the league's tougher players, and a key part of the Bucks' rotation, is averaging 13.7 points and 8.3 rebounds for the Bucks this season, playing mostly off the bench. The 30-year-old Portis will lose $2,858,701 US in salary because of the suspension, which comes with the Bucks starting post-all-star break play fifth in the Eastern Conference — one game behind No. 4 Indiana, one game ahead of No. 6 Detroit and 3 ½ games ahead of No. 7 Orlando. It's a blow to the Bucks, who are 21-10 when Portis scores at least 10 points this season. When he doesn't, they're 8-14, and entering Thursday, they're 2-5 this season when he doesn't play with all five of those losses by at least 10 points. 'Huge member of the Milwaukee community' "This is a very difficult set of circumstances for Bobby and our team," Bucks general manager Jon Horst said in a statement. "He and the Bucks organization respect the NBA/NBAPA Anti-Drug Program and will accept what's been handed down. But we 100 per cent 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." The suspension is happening just when the Bucks appeared on the verge of getting their full roster together after making multiple moves at the trade deadline, including the trade of three-time all-star wing Khris Middleton to the Washington Wizards. Two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo missed the Bucks' last six games before the all-star break with a strained left calf, but he practised Wednesday and is questionable for Thursday's matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers. Antetokounmpo still hasn't played alongside new Bucks players Kyle Kuzma, Kevin Porter Jr. and Jericho Sims, who all joined the team at the deadline. Portis spoke to the media after the Bucks' Wednesday practice and was asked how much he was looking forward to seeing how the team might fare once everyone was available. "The trade deadline was a couple of weeks ago and we are just now being able to see what it looks like," Portis said. "I think it's kind of fun for us going forward, especially just to pick the game apart, figure out what everybody does well and try to make it mold into one." Portis is in his 10th NBA season, having spent half that time with the Bucks. He was part of Milwaukee's 2021 NBA championship team and played for USA Basketball at the 2023 World Cup in Manila. He's one of four remaining players from the Bucks' championship squad, along with Antetokounmpo, Brook Lopez and Pat Connaughton. "From the bottom of my heart, I want to apologize to the Bucks organization, my teammates, coaches, family, and fans," Portis said in his statement. "I give everything I have on the court and will terribly miss playing games for the Bucks during this time.
Fox Sports
20-02-2025
- Health
- Fox Sports
Bucks' Bobby Portis suspended 25 games for violating NBA's anti-drug policy
The NBA has suspended Milwaukee Bucks 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 regular-season schedule — at the earliest. His suspension starts with the Bucks' game Thursday against the Los Angeles Clippers. "I was dealing with an elbow injury and using an NBA-approved medication for pain and inflammation," Portis said in a statement released by the team. "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." 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 — considered one of the league's tougher players, and a key part of the Bucks' rotation — is averaging 13.7 points and 8.3 rebounds for the Bucks this season, playing mostly off the bench. The 30-year-old Portis will lose $2,858,701 in salary because of the suspension, which comes with the Bucks starting post-All-Star break play fifth in the Eastern Conference — one game behind No. 4 Indiana Pacers, one game ahead of No. 6 Detroit Pistons and 3 1/2 games ahead of No. 7 Orlando Magic. It's a blow to the Bucks, who are 21-10 when Portis scores at least 10 points this season. When he doesn't, they're 8-14 — and entering Thursday, they're 2-5 this season when he doesn't play with all five of those losses by at least 10 points. "This is a very difficult set of circumstances for Bobby and our team," Bucks general manager Jon Horst said in a statement. "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." The suspension is happening just when the Bucks appeared on the verge of getting their full roster together after making multiple moves at the trade deadline, including the trade of three-time All-Star wing Khris Middleton to the Washington Wizards. Two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo missed the Bucks' last six games before the All-Star break with a strained left calf, but he practiced Wednesday and is questionable for Thursday's matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers. Antetokounmpo still hasn't played alongside new Bucks players Kyle Kuzma, Kevin Porter Jr. and Jericho Sims, who all joined the team at the deadline. Portis spoke to the media after the Bucks' Wednesday practice and was asked how much he was looking forward to seeing how the team might fare once everyone was available. "The trade deadline was a couple of weeks ago and we are just now being able to see what it looks like," Portis said. "I think it's kind of fun for us going forward, especially just to pick the game apart, figure out what everybody does well and try to make it mold into one." Portis is in his 10th NBA season, having spent half that time with the Bucks. He was part of Milwaukee's 2021 NBA championship team and played for USA Basketball at the 2023 World Cup in Manila. He's one of four remaining players from the Bucks' championship squad, along with Antetokounmpo, Brook Lopez and Pat Connaughton. "From the bottom of my heart, I want to apologize to the Bucks organization, my teammates, coaches, family, and fans," Portis said in his statement. "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." Reporting by The Associated Press. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily . FOLLOW Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experience National Basketball Association Milwaukee Bucks Bobby Portis recommended Get more from National Basketball Association Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more in this topic
NBC Sports
20-02-2025
- Health
- NBC Sports
Bucks' Bobby Portis suspended 25 games for violating NBA's drug policy
Milwaukee Bucks backup center and fan favorite Bobby Portis has been suspended 25 games by the NBA for violating the NBA's Anti-Drug Program by testing positive for Tramadol, the league announced. Tamoral is an opioid pain killer with a potential for addiction that was banned by sports leagues globally within the last year after studies funded by the World Anti-Doping Agency showed the potential for Tramadol to enhance sports performance. Portis called the error an 'honest mistake,' with his agent adding the 30-year-old thought he was taking Toradol — an approved pain/anti-inflammatory medication — that was given to him by one of his assistants. 'I was dealing with an elbow injury and using an NBA-approved medication for pain and inflammation,' said Portis Jr. in a statement released by the team. '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.' Portis' agent, Mark Bartelstein of Priority Sports, gave this statement to ESPN. 'I am devastated for Bobby right now because he made an honest mistake and the ramifications of it are incredibly significant. Bobby unintentionally 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 that 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 summer. The Tramadol pill he took came from an assistant of his, with a valid prescription for the painkiller, which he mistakenly told Bobby was Toradol. This was, again, an honest mistake that was made because of the similarity in the names of the drugs and the fact they both serve a very similar purpose. Bobby was using this anti-inflammatory pain-reducing medication to deal with an elbow injury he had this past fall and believed he was taking Toradol to alleviate some pain in preparation for that night's game.' 'This is a very difficult set of circumstances for Bobby and our team,' Bucks general manager Jon Horst said in a statement. '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.' Portis will be allowed to return with four games left in the regular season. The suspension will cost Portis $2.85 million in salary. In his 10th NBA season, Portis is averaging 13.7 points and 8.3 rebounds a game this season and was in the conversation for Sixth Man of the Year. Expect the Bucks to use just-acquired Kyle Kuzma as a backup center for minutes with Portis out, plus Jericho Sims likely also gets added run for Doc Rivers.
