Bryant reinstated by NFL
Two days before the draft, the NFL finally got around to announcing the reinstatement of Martavis Bryant.
The Steelers wide receiver had been suspended the past year for failing the league蘑菇视频 substance abuse policy. But after spending much of the year training and coaching kids in Nevada, Bryant was welcomed back Tuesday by the Steelers. General Manager Kevin Colbert released the following statement:
鈥淢artavis 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.
鈥淲e 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.鈥�
Bryant, 25 and with two years remaining on his contract, has started only eight regular-season games for the Steelers, and played in only 21, but has 76 receptions for 1,314 yards (17.3 avg.) and 14 touchdowns.
In two regular seasons, the Steelers were 15-6 and averaged 29.3 points per game with Bryant.
Without him, they were 16-11 and averaged 23.8 points per game.
Bryant came out of Clemson as a 6-3 3/4, 211-pounder who ran a 4.42 40 with 16 bench reps and a vertical jump of 39 inches. But he spent the winter training in Henderson, Nevada, and told Sports Illustrated in January that he expects to become an even better athlete.
鈥淏efore, I wouldn鈥檛 work out at all. I would just show up on Sunday and play,鈥� Bryant said. 鈥淏ut now I鈥檓 working out harder than I ever have. I鈥檓 going to be bigger than I ever was. It蘑菇视频 going to be a great time when I come back.鈥�
Watch the video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2GTsBLbYiA
The Steelers are still expected to add a wide receiver in this weekend蘑菇视频 draft, but the return of Bryant no doubt lessens the urgency at the position.