PITTSBURGH — Martavis Bryant’s blossoming NFL career took another significant hit Monday when the NFL suspended the talented but troubled Steelers wide receiver for at least one year following another violation of the league’s substance abuse policy.
This is the second league-mandated discipline for Bryant. The 24-year-old sat out the first four games last season following a violation during the offseason.
Bryant caught 50 passes for 765 yards and six touchdowns after he returned in Week 6 and was dynamic in the playoffs. He made an acrobatic touchdown grab in a wild-card win over the Cincinnati Bengals and accounted for more than 200 yards of total offense in a loss to the Denver Broncos in the AFC divisional round — a game the Steelers played without All-Pro Antonio Brown.
The Steelers pointed to Bryant’s development heading into 2016 as key for the franchise getting back to the Super Bowl. Now, they’ll make that journey without the 6-foot-4 speedster, who is among the most physically gifted players at his position.
Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert said in a statement the team was “disappointed” in Bryant for putting himself at risk, adding Bryant is at a “crossroads” in his professional life.
“He needs to understand significant changes need to occur in his personal life if he wants to regain his career as a Pittsburgh Steeler,” Colbert said. “We are hopeful Martavis will take the necessary steps to develop the discipline in his personal life to become a successful player and good teammate.”
Bryant has two years remaining on the deal he signed after the Steelers took him with the 118th overall pick of the 2014 draft — a selection that has looked like a steal when Bryant manages to get on the field.
Thumbnail photo via Charles LeClaire/USA TODAY Sports Images
