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League Keeps Steelers in the Dark, Stays Mum on Martavis Bryant Reinstatement

By Brandon Kring

Jan 17, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Martavis Bryant (10) (10) against the Denver Broncos during the AFC Divisional round playoff game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 17, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Martavis Bryant (10) (10) against the Denver Broncos during the AFC Divisional round playoff game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Pittsburgh Steelers are awaiting news from the league on whether or not Martavis Bryant will be available to them in the 2017 season.

After the Steelers lost the AFC Championship on Jan. 22, Martavis Bryant wasted no more time. On Jan. 28, the wide receiver applied to the league office for reinstatement to the league from his year-long suspension.

The NFL Substance Abuse Policy states that applicants can apply no sooner than 60 days before the year mark of their suspension. This is where the 60-day “deadline” for a decision comes from.

However, in an article on PennLive by Jacob Klinger, NFL spokesperson Bryan McCarthy said that’s not the case:

"But that’s not a deadline. McCarthy explained via email that “there is no set date when a decision must be made” regarding the Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver’s case, and cited the league policy."

So what does this mean for Bryant? Well, that is a question only a few people know the answer to. There are meetings and terms Bryant needs to attend and meet before he is reinstated. It is not public knowledge if those things have happened yet.

Bryant spent his suspension helping coach a high school football team, working out, and hopefully staying out of trouble. He had an interview with Sports Illustrated in which he opened up to Jacob Feldman.

The Steelers may get Bryant back but they are in a wait and see mode with the NFL. Mike Tomlin recently stated that Bryant’s reinstatement has no bearing on their plans at this time:

"“He is out of our plans until he’s back in”."

Getting Bryant back would be a huge development in Pittsburgh’s offseason. After a rocky year for No. 2 receivers, Bryant would be welcomed back with open arms.

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Along with the team, the fans are now in wait and see mode. Steeler fans can expect the team to continue business as usual in the meantime.

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