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Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis Jr has been suspended without pay for 25 games after he tested positive for banned substance Tramadol, the NBA said on Thursday.
The NBA said the 30-year-old’s suspension would begin with Thursday’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers.
According to the International Testing Agency, Tramadol is a synthetic opioid pain medication on the prohibited list which can enhance physical performance.
Portis Jr, who won the NBA championship with the Bucks in 2021, had been averaging 13.7 points and 8.3 rebounds per game in 46 appearances this season.
“I was dealing with an elbow injury and using an NBA-approved medication for pain and inflammation,” Portis Jr said in a statement.
“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.”
Bucks general manager Jon Horst said Portis Jr and the team said they would accept the punishment.
“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,” Horst said.
“He’s an integral part of who we are, a huge member of the Milwaukee community, and we look forward to his return.”
Reuters
