My "Inside Out" Take on Martavis Bryant

Update(3/13): I wrote this article before the reports of Bryant's depression surfaced, as well as the reports saying he missed tests rather than failed them.

It's a sad day for Steeler nation. We've all read the reports saying Martavis Bryant is facing a full season suspension. This news fills me with a variety of thoughts and feelings. 

I'm mad at him for choosing weed over his career. 

I feel sorry for him because he's struggling with addiction. 

I'm bummed because we may never see him in a Steelers uniform again. 

I'm happy because our organization planned for this scenario. 

Because I feel so many things, i'm gonna write this article with an "Inside Out" approach. I'm going to do a breakdown of all the emotions I'm feeling. 

Anger

I'm mad at Bryant. He told us fans and he told the organization that he changed and he was better. This was a lie obviously. Bryant has received numerous comparisons to great's like Randy Moss; it sucks when a guy with this level of talent and potential throws it away. Bryant was given the opportunity of a lifetime playing for the Steelers organization and having Ben as a QB. He simply chose weed over football. Guys like him don't deserve the privilege of wearing black and gold. 

Fear

Bryant needs help. With everybody talking about how idiotic he is, we tend to forget that he's a human being. He's a human being struggling with an addiction. Football aside, Bryant needs help. Mental and physical health are more important than football, and although we do have a right to be critical of Bryant's actions, we must encourage him to get the help he needs. 

Sadness

Man, this sucks. It's entirely plausible that we will never see Bryant wearing black and gold ever again. The Steelers have a history of disposing of cancerous players like Bryant. Santonio Holmes, Alameda Ta'amu, and Chris Rainey are some recent examples. The Steelers pride themselves in their reputation and don't want players like Bryant tainting that. So yeah, it wouldn't surprise me whatsoever if Bryant is cut. The Steelers knew the risk when drafting him; part of the reason he fell to the 4th round. He was a boom or bust prospect with loads of talent, but raw and immature. We may never get to be annoyed by the Pittsburgh commentators for say "Martavius" ever again. 

Joy

Thank God the Steelers are smart. Many questionable moves now make a lot of sense. 1) Drafting Coates 2) Signing DHB for 3 years 3) Signing LaDarius Green. All 3 of these moves were questioned by fans and the media for fair reason. Thankfully, all of these guys will contribute and help relieve Bryant's absence. Coates flashed his talent in the playoffs and gave fans reasons to be excited for him. DHB played admirably and showed he can be a reliable #3/#4 guy. Green has loads of potential and may end up playing a bigger role as a receiver now with Bryant potentially gone all season. It also helps that the Steelers are great at drafting and developing receivers. Our preparation for this scenario reminds me why I love this organization. 

In conclusion:

I'm writing this as I'm still wrapping my head around this whole situation. There are so many scenarios that could happen at this point and it's pretty difficult to predict the future of Martavis Bryant. It's possible the Steelers cut him, it's possible we give him another shot. Only time and news leaks will tell. For now, despite our anger, I think its important to support Bryant and encourage him to get the help he needs. Now excuse me while I go overhaul my mock draft. 

Thanks for reading.