close

Suspension upheld: Bryant out 4 games for Pittsburgh

3 min read
article image -

PITTSBURGH – The NFL on Monday denied an appeal by Steelers second-year receiver Martavis Bryant for violation of the league’s substance abuse policy and suspended him for the first four games of the regular season.

Bryant will be eligible to return Oct. 12 when the Steelers play at San Diego. He also will be fined $105,000, one-fourth of his 2015 salary.

The loss of Bryant for the first quarter of the season is a big blow to the Steelers. All-Pro running back Le’Veon Bell is suspended for the first two games after being cited for DUI and marijuana possession last August, and center Maurkice Pouncey is out for at least half the season after suffering a broken fibula in Pittsburgh’s third preseason game.

“We are disappointed in Martavis’ actions that have led to his four-game suspension,” Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert said in a statement released by the team. “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.”

Bryant became a key target for quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in the final 10 weeks of his rookie season. He caught 26 passes for 549 yards and eight touchdowns.

More was expected of the 2014 fourth-round draft pick this season. He went to training camp in excellent shape and prepared for a breakout season.

“I’m just trying to develop my overall game, whether it’s running (after the catch), catching deep balls, catching it over the middle, catching slants and taking them 30 yards,” Bryant said Saturday after catching three passes for 138 yards and a touchdown in a 43-19 preseason loss to the Buffalo Bills.

“It’s just doing whatever I need to do to help the team.”

Now, that will have to wait.

Under the terms of the drug policy instituted last year, the four-game suspension means that Bryant has tested positive for marijuana at least three times. A fourth positive test would be a 10-game suspension.

Bryant, like Bell, will not be permitted to practice during his suspension. He will be permitted to lift weights, watch film and receive treatment for injuries. Prior to 2004, players suspended for violation of the substance abuse policy were not permitted any contact with their team.

Bell said he has spoken with Bryant regarding the issue, and the wide receiver has spoken to his teammates and expressed remorse.

“We all know he’s going through a tough time, so we’re not trying to make it worse,” Bell said.

With Bryant out, the Steelers will rely on veteran Darrius Heyward-Bey as their No. 3 receiver behind starters Antonio Brown and Markus Wheaton.

Pittsburgh had signed veteran running back DeAngelo Williams in the offseason to help offset the early loss of Bell.

The Steelers open their regular season Sept. 10 at New England.

“We’ve got guys all over the field who can make plays,” Bell said. “DeAngelo’s been playing great. He’s a 10-year veteran. He can come in and replace me. You’ve got Wheaton on the outside, you’ve got A.B. on the outside. You’ve got Heyward-Bey, Heath Miller. We’ve got guys who are able to make plays when the opportunities present themselves. The offense is still going to be clicking.”

CUSTOMER LOGIN

If you have an account and are registered for online access, sign in with your email address and password below.

NEW CUSTOMERS/UNREGISTERED ACCOUNTS

Never been a subscriber and want to subscribe, click the Subscribe button below.

Starting at $3.75/week.

Subscribe Today