Pittsburgh Steelers' Martavis Bryant suspended four games by NFL
Tuesday 1 September 2015 18:21, UK
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Martavis Bryant has been suspended by the NFL for four games for violating the league's substance abuse policy.
The second-year player's appeal of the suspension was denied by the NFL on Monday.
Bryant became a key target for Ben Roethlisberger toward the end of the 2014 season, making 26 receptions for 549 yards and eight touchdowns.
He was a fourth-round draft pick out of Clemson last year and was expected to be a strong complement to All-Pro receiver Antonio Brown.
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The suspension is another blow for one of the top offences in the NFL after All-Pro running back Le'Veon Bell was suspended for the opening game of the season against the New England Patriots under the same policy.
Meanwhile, All-Pro center Maurkice Pouncey is out indefinitely with a left ankle injury.
Bryant's absence will mean increased opportunities for Markus Wheaton to seize the starting role opposite Brown while rookie Sammie Coates will be asked to contribute earlier than expected.
You can watch the Pittsburgh Steelers take on the New England Patriots live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 12:00am on Thursday, September 11.
