Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Martavis Bryant was suspended by the NFL for a year for multiple violations of the league’s substance abuse policy.
Shortly after the suspension, Steelers GM Kevin Colbert released a statement, expressing the team’s disappointment in their receiver. “We are very disappointed that Martavis Bryant has put himself in this current situation of being suspended by the League,” Colbert’s statement said.
“He is at a crossroads of his professional life, and he needs to understand significant changes need to occur in his personal life if he wants to regain his career as a Pittsburgh Steeler. We are hopeful that Martavis will take the necessary steps to develop the discipline in his personal life to become a successful player and a good teammate.”
Friday, Steelers president Art Rooney II expressed similar sentiments:
Steelers GM Kevin Colbert's statement on Martavis Bryant's suspension. pic.twitter.com/5JbnTPZcvw
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 14, 2016
Bryant appeared in 11 games for the Steelers in his second season in the NFL. He missed the first four games for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. Bryant had 50 receptions on the year, with 765 yards and six touchdowns.
He showed a lot of promise after his rookie season, especially considering he was a fourth-round pick, but the Steelers’ concern with Bryant over staying on the field is valid. But, based on Rooney’s statement, they certainly want to do what they can to get him the help that he needs.
