Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Martavis Bryant banned for at least 12 months
Monday 14 March 2016 18:59, UK
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Martavis Bryant has been banned for the entire 2016 season for a violation of the NFL's drug policy.
Bryant, who served a four-game ban last season for a violation of the substance abuse policy, will not be eligible for reinstatement for a minimum of 12 months - the suspension starts immediately.
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.
Bryant dropped to the fourth round of the 2014 NFL Draft because of concerns over his off-field behaviour during his time in college at Clemson.
One of Bryant's agents, Brian Fettner, said on Sunday his client was suffering from depression and was seeking to enter rehab.
"We're all stunned, me included," Fettner told USA Today. "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.
"This is the biggest cry for help I've ever seen, and that hurts. It hurts us to see.
"He's 24 years old, and he's got to get right, whatever it is. If you talk to anybody's family that has depression, they will be talking about these same things - the [despondence], the withdrawal, the head-in-the-sand despair - just trying to cope."
