Bryant’s agent, Thomas Santanello, confirmed the potential discipline in email to The Associated Press on Saturday night, March 12, 2016, and said Bryant has filed an appeal.
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The suspension is expected to cost Bryant $600,000 in lost salary.
“Martavis Bryant of the Pittsburgh Steelers has been suspended without pay for a minimum of one year for violating the NFL Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse”, the league said in a statement.
He was scheduled to make $600,000 this season.
The Washington Post reported that Bryant missed several drug tests, which counts the same as failed tests and had a diluted specimen that is also the same as a failed test along with a failed test for marijuana.
The 24-year-old proved productive after his ban last season, piling up 50 receptions for 765 yards and six touchdowns in the 11 games he played.
One of Bryant’s agents, Brian Fettner, said on Sunday his client was suffering from depression and was seeking to enter rehab.
With NFL free agency in high gear and the annual draft just over a month away, the Pittsburgh Steelers may have to change their plan when it comes to the wide receiver position. His isn’t a party issue. “And that hurts”, Fettner added.
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Bryant will be eligible to apply for reinstatement 60 days before the one-year anniversary of his suspension, on January 13, 2017. He caught 14 more passes for 183 yards and a score in two playoff games.
