MONDAY, 2:42pm: Bryant’s four-game suspension is now official, having been confirmed by the team. Steelers GM Kevin Colbert has issued a statement on the penalty, according to Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review (Twitter account).
“We are disappointed in Martavis’ actions that has led to his four-game suspension,” Colbert said. “It is a disappointment to our entire organization as well as our fans, but we will continue to support Martavis during his suspension. It is very unfortunate his actions have put our team in this situation to begin the year, but we are confident he will learn from his mistake and return in excellent shape in Week 5.”
THURSDAY, 6:08pm:Â Bryant’s suspension is for multiple failed marijuana tests, a source told Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter). Bryant’s appeal is in the latter stages.
1:45pm: Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell will miss the first two games of the 2015 regular season, and it appears he won’t be the only Pittsburgh playmaker serving a suspension. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (via Twitter), wide receiver Martavis Bryant is facing a four-game ban for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. The suspension is currently under appeal.
Bryant, 23, came on strong in the second half of his rookie season, acting as a deep threat for the Steelers’ offense. For the year, Bryant caught 26 balls for 549 yards, an average of 21.1 yards per reception. He also hauled in eight touchdowns. Bryant had been expected to take a step forward in 2015, so his absence in the early going will be a big loss for Ben Roethlisberger and the offense.
The exact nature of Bryant’s violation isn’t known, so it’s unclear if his suspension has a chance to be reduced or eliminated entirely. The NFL won’t make an official announcement on the penalty for the young wideout until the appeals process is complete.
For now though, it appears Bryant and Bell will be sidelined for at least the Steelers’ first two games, so Roethlisberger and the offense will have to get creative as they look to put up points against the Patriots and 49ers. If Bryant’s four-game ban is upheld, he’ll miss games against the Rams and Ravens as well.
All that muscle he put on in the offseason must of been a result of PEDs. He didn’t need it. O well, that’s why I’m happy we don’t draft until after the preseason is over.
Obviously we don’t know the details yet, but the fact that reports have cited the substance abuse policy rather than the policy on performance-enhancing drugs suggests it’s something besides PEDs.
Agreed on waiting on the fantasy drafting though — Bryant was a guy I liked a lot this year. This certainly changes things.
A lot of star power looks to be absent for NBC’s opener. Fortunately for Pittsburgh, though, they have some depth at wideout, with arguably the game’s best and a solid complement in Markus Wheaton who will now have to come through consistently.
Really? *Bo Deitl
As much as it will hurt the steelers, these players should be banned from football for life. After a few of these, maybe the rest will get the hint and stop using drugs.
Im pisssed
You got to be kidding me!!! The sad tales of being young & dumb.
No way… well,, he will not last with steelers unless he stops this kind of distraction.. man everyone had such high hopes for him
No pun intended?
When are these professional player gonna stop being stupid. You the best of the best then you go do things of this nature. Why?
Thought he deflated footballs
What a idiot.
I hope that he won’t be out all. Maybe next time he will watch what he takes.
Slowly becoming the Pittsburgh thugs
They can join the 49ers in the category.
I’m from the city and have a lot of pride in it but it’s getting harder to cheer for the Steelers
Idiot. Probably weed. Come on what the hell are we kidding
He should have learned from Bell mistake get rid of him He knew better he didn’t care
Why doesn’t the NFL say what drug he used and give us facts!
The play the Patrios week 1…anything to help them win I guess
Traded 25% of my FAAB for him less than five hours ago. Gahhhh.
Multiple failed marijuana tests