Martavis Bryant CINCINNATI, OH – DECEMBER 13: Martavis Bryant #10 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates while walking off of the field after defeating the Cincinnati Bengals 33-20 at Paul Brown Stadium on December 13, 2015 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Martavis Bryant is staring a season-long suspension in the face for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. Last season, Bryant was suspended four games for violating the policy.

ESPN.com confirmed that the suspension came as a result of drug testing and that Bryant plans to appeal.

The suspension is related to NFL drug testing, a source told Fowler. Bryant’s agent confirmed Saturday that the talented receiver plans to appeal the suspension.

The 24-year old had a breakout season in 2015 despite the suspension, catching 50 balls for 765 yards and six touchdowns and as emerging as Ben Roethlisberger’s second favorite target behind Antonio Brown.

Pittsburgh already lost long-time tight end to retirement, and if Bryant’s suspension is upheld, that means that only Brown and Markus Wheaton will return among the Steelers’ top four pass catchers last season. But it’s OK, they re-signed Darrius Heyward-Bey!

UPDATE: Bryant’s agent told USA Today that his client will be checking into rehab and also will undergo evaluation for depression.

Facing indefinite banishment for repeat violations of the NFL’s substance abuse policy, Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Martavis Bryant will check into rehab and undergo evaluation for depression issues, one of his agents, Brian Fettner, told USA TODAY Sports.

“We’re all stunned, me included,” Fettner said, shortly after broke news of the ban Saturday. “We clearly miscalculated the issue. His isn’t a party issue. It’s a coping issue and a depression issue, and he’s got to take care of it.”

Fettner also said the reason the suspension is for a full year is because Bryant missed multiple tests.

Fettner confirmed Bryant is appealing the ban, though getting it overturned is seen as a long shot. It stems from multiple missed drug tests, Fettner said, while also acknowledging Bryant has a problem with marijuana.

The multiple missed tests – which count the same as failed tests – explains why Bryant faces banishment for at least one year, rather than a 10-game suspension for his latest violation after serving a four-game suspension to start last season.

[ESPN]

About Joe Lucia

I hate your favorite team. I also sort of hate most of my favorite teams.