NFL upholds Steelers WR Martavis Bryant's 4-game suspension without pay

NFL has upheld the four-game suspension for Martavis Bryant. Four games without pay.

— Ray Fittipaldo (@rayfitt1) August 31, 2015

The Pittsburgh Steelers have had their share of off-the-field incidents and controversy the past 12 months, and due to those incidents the team will not only be without Pro Bowl RB Le'Veon Bell to start the 2015 season, but also now without second year WR Martavis Bryant.

Bryant was facing a 4-game suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy, and although Bryant appealed the ruling the NFL decided Monday to uphold their decision. With that said, Bryant will not only miss the first four games of the 2015 season, but will also go without pay during those weeks.

The games Bryant will miss are: at the New England Patriots, vs. the San Francisco 49ers, at the St. Louis Rams and vs. the Baltimore Ravens.

Bryant has shown throughout the preseason he has picked up directly where he left off in 2014. In limited action he has already caught two touchdown passes, and had himself a 3 reception, 138 yards and a score performance against the Buffalo Bills this past Saturday. Fans got a glimpse of what Bryant brings to the table, not the team and the fan base have to come to the realization his skill set will be missed throughout the first quarter of the season.

A tough blow for the young wide out, but most fans realize him staying out of trouble, a la Josh Gordon, is the most important aspect of this scenario.

GM Kevin Colbert's statement on the Bryant suspension:

"We are disappointed in Martavis' actions that has led to this four-game suspension. It is a dissapointment to our entire organization as well as our fans, but we will continue to support Martavis throughout his suspension. It is very unfortunate his actions have put the team in this situation to start the year, but we are confident he will learn from his mistake and return in excellent shape in Week 5."