Martavis Bryant Faces Year-Long Suspension for Drug Violations

Talented but troubled Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Martavis Bryant could be on his final NFL lifeline, following reports that he could be facing a year out of the game for once again violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy.

Details are currently sketchy as to the type and nature of prohibited substance Bryant consumed, but many expect the culprit to be marijuana, which has gotten Bryant – as well as some other Steelers – in trouble previously.

Since the news broke, several reports have claimed that Bryant uses the drug to help cope with his depression and anxiety, and not as a recreational tool. That point notwithstanding, NFL players simply cannot keep using marijuana as a crutch when it has been made abundantly clear that use will result in a hefty punishment.

Bryant missed the first four games of the 2015 season for the same indiscretion. A second infringement carries with it a 10-game suspension, but Bryant’s wrongdoing will catapult his punishment to the full 16 games. In addition to failing this test, Bryant has also missed other scheduled tests over the offseason, which the NFL views as indistinct from a failed test.

It’s hard to picture Pittsburgh sticking with Bryant beyond 2016 given his history. He declared himself on the straight and narrow after serving his suspension this past season, and returned for a productive showing through only 11 games.

The Steelers drafted big bodied Auburn wide receiver Sammie Coates in the third round of last year’s draft to suit up in Bryant’s absence, but the rest of the receiving corps steeped up enough to severely limit Coates’ playing time. Fans keen to see the explosive sophomore get blooded further into the Steelers’ high-octane offense in 2016 will get their wish, but not in the way they hoped.