Steelers demote Martavis Bryant to scout team |
Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday he would “reign down” judgment on his outspoken receiver
Martavis Bryant and “move forward.” Wednesday, that judgment included demoting the fourth-year pro and former Clemson target to the scout team.
Bryant has struggled to find a place in the Pittsburgh offense after returning from a year-long suspension for violating the NFL’s substance-abuse policy. He’s totaled 18 catches for 234 yards with one touchdown through seven games. In his last two outings, Bryant has been limited to three catches for 30 yards. Since Sunday’s game, Bryant has made headlines for comments about a teammate on his Instagram page and missing a mandatory team meeting, adding a confirmation of reports of his wishes for a trade if his production level doesn’t change. "I just want to be happy, whether it's here or it's somewhere else," Bryant told ESPN. "I just want to help contribute. I just want to be the best player that I can on and off the field ... and I want to be given the chance to be that. But I would like for it to be here. If not, then, oh well. Just got to move on." The NFL trade deadline is next week, but Tomlin has already said Bryant isn’t on the trading block. Tomlin called Bryant a “good guy” in his Tuesday press conference but added Bryant’s actions off the field are causing an unnecessary distraction. “He was out of bounds in terms of some of what he said on social media,” Tomlin said Tuesday. “It will be dealt with appropriately so… We’ve been very clear about this process of him reacclimating to us. Not an easy one, but he’s worked diligently and I like his approach. But he says some things when he’s not around us that is somewhat of a distraction.” Bryant told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler Wednesday that he was told he's not playing Sunday versus Detroit due to "social media."
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