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Bobby Portis Jr., a forward for the Milwaukee Bucks, has received a 25-game suspension from the NBA for breaching the league’s anti-drug regulations.
The NBA announced that Portis tested positive for Tramadol, an analgesic medication prohibited by the league and listed among substances banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency.
Portis’ agent, Mark Bartelstein, released a statement asserting that the suspension stemmed from a misunderstanding, indicating that Portis believed he was taking Toradol, which is permitted by both the NBA and its players union. According to the statement, Portis is a proponent of the league’s anti-drug stance and does not engage in substance abuse.
“I was recovering from an elbow injury and was using a medication that I thought was approved,” Portis stated. “I made an error in taking a medication that isn’t allowed, and I am truly remorseful for it. I accept full responsibility for my actions.”
This incident has brought renewed attention to the substance Tramadol and its implications in sports.
Understanding Tramadol
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Tramadol is classified as an opioid and is commonly prescribed to manage “moderate to moderately severe pain” in adults.
This medication may be available under brands such as Ultram and Conzip, and it is also often combined with acetaminophen, marketed as Ultracet.
Tramadol falls under the class IV category of controlled substances according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). This designation indicates a relatively low potential for abuse and dependence, comparable to drugs like Xanax and Valium.
Defining Toradol
The Mayo Clinic describes Toradol as the brand name for Ketorolac, also aimed at alleviating moderately severe pain. It is categorized as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
Source
sports.yahoo.com