STEELERS’ BRYANT OUT AT LEAST ONE SEASON
The wide receiver violates the NFL’s substance- abuse policy for the second time in two years.
pittsburgh » Martavis Bryant had a huge game against the Broncos on Jan. 17 in an AFC divisional playoff game, but the Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver might not be playing again for a long time.
The NFL on Monday suspended the talented but troubled Bryant for at least one year after 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 after a violation during the offseason.
Bryant caught 50 passes for 765 yards and six touchdowns after he returned in Week 6 andwas dynamic in the playoffs. Hemade an acrobatic touch down grab in a wild- card win over Cincinnati and accounted for more than 200 yards of allpurpose yardage in a 23- 16 loss to Denver.
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.
General manager Kevin Colbert said in a statement the teamwas “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 hewants 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 is on the field.
He averaged 21.1 yards per reception as a rookie, and the Steelers went 8- 2 down the stretch in 2014 after Bryant finally made it off the inactive list and into the lineup. His initial suspension, announced near the end of training camp last summer, seemed to catch his teammates off- guard.
Bryant spent some of his time away from the club down in Houston working with former NBA player and coach John Lucas, who operates a treatment facility. He came back chastened, offering an apology to his teammates and thanking quarterback Ben Roethlisberger for his guidance. Roethlisberger, who kept in regular contact with Bryant during the suspension, likened Bryant to “a little brother.”
Team chairman Art Rooney II praised Bryant’s progress shortly after the 2015 season ended but remained cautious about the future.
“Martavis is a player that has tremendous ability and potential,” Rooney said in January. “We just have to continue to work with him to make sure he takes care of his business off the field.”
The Steelers will get Bryant’s projected salary cap hit of just over $ 700,000 back. Pittsburgh does have depth at the position. The Steelers re- signed veteran Darrius Heyward- Bey to a three- year deal lastweek. Markus Wheaton has one season left on his contract, and 2015 third- round pick Sammie-Coates showed promise late in the season.