Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis, Jr., will miss Thursday’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers after the NBA announced he violated the league’s anti-drug policy.
The NBA said Portis was penalized with an unpaid 25-game suspension because he tested positive for Tramadol. The drug is a painkiller often used for patients following surgery, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Portis explained in a statement that he used the drug while recovering from an elbow injury and had been using “an NBA-approved medication for pain and inflammation.”
“During that time, I made an honest mistake and took a pain-reducing anti-inflammatory pill that is not approved,” he said. “I feel horrible and recognize that I’m responsible for what I put in my body.”
The 30-year-old apologized to the entire Bucks organization, including the fans, for his error.
“I give everything I have on the court and will terribly miss playing games for the Bucks during this time,” he said. “I will continue to work hard and be ready for our long playoff run.”
Jon Horst, the Bucks general manager, said in a statement that the team respects the NBA’s suspension. He added that it was a “very difficult set of circumstances” but the team supports Portis.
“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.”