Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis Jr has been suspended for 25 games without pay by the NBA for failing a drugs test.
The NBA confirmed the 30-year-old has tested positive for the painkiller Tramadol, which is a banned substance.
Portis Jr’s suspension begins when the Bucks host fellow play-off hopefuls the LA Clippers on Thursday at 20:00 local time.
He will be unavailable until 8 April, when the Bucks face Minnesota Timberwolves in the 79th match of their 82-game regular season.
“I was dealing with an elbow injury and using an NBA-approved medication for pain and inflammation,” said Portis Jr.
“During that time, I made an honest mistake and took a pain-reducing anti-inflammatory pill that is not approved. I feel horrible and recognise that I’m responsible for what I put in my body.
“From the bottom of my heart, I want to apologize to the Bucks organisation, my team-mates, coaches, family, and fans.”
