Suspended Steelers WR Martavis Bryant apologizes for actions detrimental to the team

The Pittsburgh Steelers had been mum on the Martavis Bryant suspension, until a few days ago. Other than a Public Relations released statement from General Manager Kevin Colbert, no one had heard from Mike Tomlin or Art Rooney II until the two spoke at the annual owners meeting in Florida.

The one person no one thought they would hear from anytime in the near future would be the player suspended for the 2016 season, Martavis Bryant himself. Nonetheless, Bryant spoke with Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post about his suspension, and the receiver was candid and contrite in his comments.

"I sincerely apologize to the Rooney family, the great Pittsburgh Steelers organization, coach Mike Tomlin, general manager Kevin Colbert, my teammates and all of the outstanding Steelers fans and, of course, my mother and children for what happened," Bryant said. "I regret that my actions led to this punishment from the NFL and that I won't be able to play football this year. I'm committed to making this right and realizing my full potential, on and off the field. I will spend this year devoting myself to improvement mentally, physically and spiritually to become the best Martavis Bryant I can be.

"I look forward to resuming my NFL career next year, and I promise to come back strong. Playing in the NFL is a privilege that I respect and my future actions will reflect just how seriously I take this game and the honor that it is to be a part of this league. Please respect my privacy and my family's privacy during this difficult time. I will have no further comment at this time."

At this point and time, Bryant can't be offended if fans, and even the organization, don't truly take these words seriously. After all, the Steelers saw Bryant suspended for the first 4 games of the 2015 season, and following the suspension some very familiar words were spoken by the former Clemson wide out. However, despite the skepticism, the Steelers team and fans all hope this time around Bryant gets his life right and is able to not just return to the field, but to tackle his own personal demons.