Martavis Bryant will lose a year on the field after being suspended for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy, but it won’t cost him a year on his contract.
Steelers owner Art Rooney II said Friday that Bryant’s suspension will not count against his contract and the dynamic receiver will still have two years remaining on his deal when he is reinstated.
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Art Rooney II said #Steelers will help suspended WR Martavis Bryant get the help and rehab he needs, to the extent they are allowed.
— Gerry Dulac (@gerrydulac) March 18, 2016
Rooney on Bryant: "We're disappointed and hope he can deal with the situation to have the discipline necessary to be player in the NFL."
— Gerry Dulac (@gerrydulac) March 18, 2016
Rooney said the suspended year will not count against Bryant's contract status. He will have two years remaining when he is reinstated.
— Gerry Dulac (@gerrydulac) March 18, 2016
Bryant initially planned to appeal the ban, but ultimately decided to accept his punishment without complaint.
One of Bryant’s agents, Brian Fettner, said Bryant has an issue with marijuana and will check into a rehab facility and undergo an evaluation for depression issues.
Bryant, entering his third season for Pittsburgh, recorded 50 catches for 765 yards and six touchdowns in 2015 after missing the first four games. He has 76 receptions for 1,314 yards and 15 scores in 21 career games and eight starts.