Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Martavis Bryant is reportedly facing a one-year suspension from the NFL after violating the NFL Policy and Program for substance abuse, but one of Bryant's agents, Tom Santanello, will appeal the suspension once it is officially announced by the NFL.
The Steelers receiver has had his share of off-field issues, as he served a four-game suspension at the beginning of the 2015 season for multiple violations of the league's substance abuse policy. The Steelers receiver was developing into a big playmaker in offensive coordinator Todd Haley's system and recorded 50 receptions for 765 yards in his second season in the league.
Another one of Bryant's agents, Brian Fettner, has said that the Steelers' troubled receiver will enter a rehab program and will undergo evaluation for his depression issues. "We are all stunned, me included," Fettner said on Saturday. "We clearly miscalculated the issue. His isn't a party issue. It's a coping issue and a depression issue, and he's got to take care of it."
While Fettner said that he planned to discuss three different programs with the Steelers receiver, Santanello has said that nothing will happen until at least Monday, as they look to cover their potential appeal options. Bryant's agents have confirmed that their client will appeal the suspension, but Fettner acknowledged that Bryant has had a problem with marijuana. Bryant's chances of having his reported suspension overturned are seen as a long shot, and the former fourth round draft pick will have to prove to the league that he is serious about turning his life around.
The Steelers lose a rising talent with Bryant's impending season-long suspension, and they will need players like second-year receiver Sammie Coates and newly acquired tight end Ladarius Green to step up in his absence. The Steelers are firm believers in the next-man-up mentality and are one of the best in the league in getting production out of players that need to step up due to injury or suspension. Todd Haley's offensive system relies heavily on a strong passing game, and despite multiple injuries to quarterback Ben Roethlisberger last season, they finished third in the NFL in terms of passing yards per game.
It will be intriguing to watch who will step up in Bryant's absence next season, but expect Pittsburgh to still be a contender in the AFC despite potentially losing the talented receiver for the 2016 season, as they have depth at the position and one of the best quarterbacks in the league.
