Bucks’ Bobby Portis suspended 25 games for violating NBA drug policy

The NBA has suspended Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis Jr. For 25 games without payment, because he tested positively on bookmarking tramadol, violation of drug drug programs.

Portis cannot be played again by 8. April – 79. MILVAUKEE’s schedule of the regular season in Milvaukee regular season – the earliest. His suspension begins with match Bucks on Thursday against Los Angeles Clippers.

“I was involved in a lactate injury and using drugs of approved NBA for pain and inflammation,” Portis said in the statement he published. “During that time I made an honest mistake and took the pain – reducing an anti-flammable pill that was not approved. I can be horrible and I’m responsible for what I put in my body.”

Portis considered that the side Pakovnik was “unintentionally,” his agent said, Mark Bartelstein. Portis thought it was taking the Toradol that was approved and something was transferred earlier, Bartelstein said he first gave ESPN and later confirmed the press associated. Portis did not realize that it was taken by tramadol – which is properly prescribed, but it is on the NBA list of the forbidden substance.

“I am deeply disappointed that the NBA chooses so strictly interpreting its policy and that the policy does not allow a different result for a sincere error with clean intentions,” Bartelstein said in the statement. “Bobby loves to be part of the NBA and he likes to be the role and the city of Milvaukee. This was incredibly difficult for him, but it will be an excellent opportunity to improve and further build his reputation and performance in every way, both in the field and out of court. “

Portis – considered one of the main players of the league, and the key part of the BUCKS rotation – on average 13.7 points and 8.3 jumps for Bucks this season, playing mainly with the highest bench.

30-year-old Portis will lose $ 2,858,751 in salary due to suspension, which comes with Bucks start break after all the star play Pete in the eastern conference – one game after no. 4 Indiana Pacens, one game. 6 Detroit clips and 3 1/2 games in front no. 7 Orlando Magic.

It’s a blow to the Bucks, who are 21-10 when Portis scored at least 10 points this season. When not doing it, they are 8-14 – and enter Thursday, these season are 2-5 when not playing with all five of these losses at least 10 points.

“This is a very difficult array of circumstances for Bobby and our team,” said General Manager of Jon Horst in the statement. “On and Bucks Organization Respect the NBA / Nbapa Program against the medicine and will accept what is surrendered. We will use this opportunity to grow and will have a better and stronger team of Bobby and Milwaukee.. He is an integral part of who we are We, a huge member of the Milvaukee community and look forward to his return. “

Suspension occurs just when Bucks appeared on the edge of their full posters together after they have made more moves within trade, including Trade of Tri-weather wings All-Star Khrisis Medleton In Washington Vizards.

Two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounpo They missed the Bucks last six games before it was an artistic break with Left Power, but she practiced on Wednesday and questionable for Thursday match with Los Angeles turbines. Antetokounpo has not yet played with new Bucks players Kyle Kuzma, Kevin Porter Jr. and Jericho Simswhich everyone joined the team within.

Portis talked to the media after the Bucks practice and wondered how much he was looking forward to see how the team could be ordered when everyone is available.

“The trading deadline was a few weeks ago and now we are able to see what it looks like,” Portis said. “I think it’s somehow fun to move forward, especially just to choose the game, realized what everyone is doing well and try to shape it.”

Portis is in her 10th season of NBA, who spent half time with Bucks. It was part of Milvaukee’s team for Milvaukee Championships and played for American basketball at the World Cup 2023. in Manila.

He is one of the four remaining players from the Championship Buckley Championship, together with Antetokounmp, Brook Lopez and Pat Connaughtton.

“From the bottom of my heart, I want to apologize for the organization of Bucks, my teammates, coaches, families and fans,” Portis said in his statement. “I give everything I have in court and will miss playing games for the matches during this time. I will continue to work hard for our long-lasting playoff. Thank you more than you know.”

Reporting associated press.

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