Bobby Portis suspended
On Thursday, Milwaukee Bucks player Bobby Portis Jr was suspended for 25 games without pay after testing positive for the painkiller Tramadol. The painkiller is a violation of the NBA's anti-drug program, he will be ineligible to play until April 8th. The suspension began with the Bucks' game against the Los Angeles Clippers.
Why did Portis take the painkiller?
Portis explained that he took the medication to manage pain and inflammation from an elbow injury, believing it to be NBA-approved. "During that time, I made an honest mistake and took a pain-reducing anti-inflammatory pill that was not approved. I feel Horrible and recognize that I'm responsible for what I put in my body," said Portis. His agent, Mark Bartelstein stated that his client took the painkiller unintentionally, thinking he was taking Toradol, which is approved and has been used by Portis in the past. "Portis did not realize he was taking Tramadol, which was properly prescribed but is on the NBA's banned substance list," said Bartelstein. He expressed his disappointment with eh NBA's strict interpretation of its policy, stating 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. Bobby loves being part of the NBA and being a role model and 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 it into an opportunity to improve and further build his reputation and performance both on and off the court."
How does coach Doc Rivers Feel?
Bucks head coach Doc Rivers commented before the game against the Clippers that the incident happened so long ago that the punishment seemed overly harsh given the circumstances. "Rules are rules," said Rivers. "Even though each player has to abide by the rules, we must also acknowledge human circumstances and common sense. One thing Bobby is not is a cheater, and we need to figure out how to address this." Portis, considered one of the league's tougher players, is averaging 13.7 points and 8.3 rebounds this season, mostly playing off the bench. This season has been challenging for Portis. In addition to the suspension, he missed six games after the death of his grandmother and was one of several athletes whose homes were burglarized, resulting in federal charges against seven men from Chile. "Our goals haven't changed as a team. It's going to be harder," said Coach Rivers. "What I need from Bobby is his spirit. Everything else he excels at, and he's been great on the court for the team."
"From the Bottom of my heart, I want to apologize to the Bucks organization, my teammates, coaches, family, and fans," said Portis. "I have everything I have on the court and will definitely miss playing with my teammates, 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."
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