Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis Jr has been handed a 25-game suspension without pay by the NBA after failing a drug test. The NBA has confirmed that the 30-year-old tested positive for Tramadol, a banned substance. This suspension is a significant setback for the Bucks, especially as they push for a playoff spot.

Portis Jr's suspension begins on Thursday when the Bucks host the LA Clippers at 20:00 local time. He will be unavailable until April 8, when the Bucks face the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 79th match of their 82-game regular season.

In a statement, Portis Jr expressed his remorse: "I was dealing with an elbow injury and 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. 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."

Portis Jr, who won the NBA championship with the Bucks in 2021, has been a key player this season, averaging 13.7 points and 8.3 rebounds per game across 46 appearances.

Bucks general manager Jon Horst commented on the situation: "This is a very difficult set of circumstances for Bobby and our team. He and the Bucks respect the NBA/NBAPA Anti-Drug Program and will accept what's been handed down. But we 100% support Bobby."

Tramadol was added to the 2024 list of prohibited drugs by the World Anti-Doping Agency after research found it had the potential to enhance sports performance.