Despite a somewhat successful 2016 campaign, the Pittsburgh Steelers were missing one of their top receiving targets even before the first snap of last season. Martavis Bryant, a 2014 NFL Draft product out of Clemson, was slotted to be the number two pass catcher behind Antonio Brown and ahead of fellow young wideouts Sammy Coates and Eli Rogers. Ben Roethlisberger had all the weapons at his disposal going into the season until a pair of drug suspensions rocked the Steelers roster.
Both Martavis Bryant and running back Le’Veon Bell were slapped with suspensions related to drug violations. Bell was issued a four-game suspension but Bryant was hit with a full season suspension given it was his second violation of the policy and he checked into rehab. Bell returned and ripped it up for the Steelers in his final 12 games while Bryant sat at home and watched what the Steelers could have been with him in the lineup.
Bryant applied for reinstatement back in January and now, just about three months later, the NFL has granted his requested, on a conditional basis.
Following is a statement from the NFL, courtesy of the Steelers.
The NFL notified MARTAVIS BRYANT of the Pittsburgh Steelers today that he has been reinstated to the NFL on a conditional basis.
Bryant may join the Steelers at the training facility and participate in meetings, conditioning work, and similar activities. Once arrangements have been confirmed regarding Bryant’s clinical resources in Pittsburgh, he will be permitted to participate in all preseason activities, including practices and games.
Prior to the start of the regular season, the NFL will review Bryant’s progress. Based on his compliance and engagement with his program and resources, he will be permitted to participate in all regular season activities beginning in Week 1. He will be evaluated later in the season for full reinstatement.
Bryant had been suspended since March 2016 without pay following multiple violations of the NFL-NFLPA Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse.
Steelers General Manager Kevin Colbert on Martavis Bryant Reinstatement.
Martavis Bryant has followed the protocol and has been conditionally reinstated by the National Football League. We appreciate that he has taken the necessary steps in an effort to get his personal life in order. We also understand this is just the beginning as he works to return to the team and meet all of the conditions of his reinstatement.
We look forward to working with Martavis to ensure that he is mentally and physically prepared to contribute to our efforts on the field, while also maintaining the proper balance to keep his life in order off the field.
