Martavis Bryant Says He Didn't Watch Steelers Last Year, Talks Reinstatement

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Martavis Bryant revealed Tuesday that he didn't watch the team last season during his suspension. 

The reason?

"To focus on my sobriety also knowing I let myself down, my teammates down..." he told Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, adding, "I couldn't bear to watch it."

Bryant also spoke about the changes he made in his life.

"I know this is my last chance," he said, per Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com. "I put the right people around me, I have things in place for me to succeed, maintain sobriety."

That last sentiment will be a major part of the term of his reinstatement, Bryant noted, according to Will Graves of the Associated Press: 

Bryant, 25, was suspended for the first four games of the 2015 season. That preceded his being banned for the entirety of the 2016 season after another violation of the league's drug policy.

He was conditionally reinstated in April 2017, with the NFL announcing those conditions in its press release:

"Bryant may join the Steelers at the training facility and participate in meetings, conditioning work and similar activities. 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.

"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."

Bouchette also noted that Bryant will be drug-tested three times a week and is required to meet with a counselor twice a week per the terms of those conditions.

Bryant appeared set to become an impact wide receiver in his first two years, catching 76 passes for 1,314 yards and 14 touchdowns in just 21 games. He gave Ben Roethlisberger a field-stretching deep threat and weapon in the red zone, and served as a solid complement to Antonio Brown. 

If he can remain on the field, Bryant gives the Steelers another dynamic weapon and has the potential to put together a long and successful career. He'll battle for a starting position in the 2017 season, though he'll be the frontrunner to line up opposite of Brown.