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One of the main storylines coming out of Pittsburgh Steelers training camp this year has been why Martavis Bryant hasn’t been permitted to return to the practice field with his teammates.
Bryant’s team, as well as the Steelers, have both said the ball isn’t in their court with the matter, suggesting the NFL is dragging their feet on the finalization of his reinstatement.
But the NFL says otherwise.
Per Ray Fittpaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, league spokesman Brian McCarthy had this to say on the matter, “He would be permitted to participate in all preseason activities, including practices and games, once he satisfies requirements,”
“Bryant may join the Steelers at the training facility and participate in meetings, conditioning work and similar activities,” the statement said. “Once arrangements have been confirmed regarding Bryant’s clinical resources in Pittsburgh, he will be permitted to participate in all preseason activities, including practices and games.”
Per Fittipaldo:
It’s also worth noting if and when Bryant is allowed to practice with the team this summer he will be up for review by the NFL before the start of the regular season.
“Prior to the start of the regular season, the NFL will review Bryant’s progress. Based on his compliance and engagement with his program and resources, he will be permitted to participate in all regular season activities beginning in Week 1. He will be evaluated later in the season for full reinstatement.”
This entire situation just seems off in many ways. Bryant says he has done everything he has been asked to do, yet the NFL says there are requirements which still haven’t been met. In case fans are wondering if Bryant failed another test, it is doubtful that is the case, as it would have him suspended indefinitely, and almost immediately.
It seems as if Bryant’s camp, and the NFL, need to get this straightened out soon if Bryant wants to be on the field with his teammates at training camp, and the preseason, to knock off the rust after sitting out the 2016 season.