Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Martavis Bryant will miss the entire 2016 season after another violation of the NFL's substance abuse policy.
The absence of a dynamic playmaker could, of course, prove costly for an explosive Pittsburgh offense. But star quarterback Ben Roethlisberger appears most disappointed in the way Bryant handled himself.
Speaking with Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Roethlisberger said Friday that Bryant lied to him leading up to the latest punishment.
"We talked a lot, every day during his suspension we talked," Roethlisberger said. "And then, when (the second suspension) happened, we talked, as soon as the news broke I kind of asked him what happened. He said some things that were just kind of disappointing."
" ... I just think the approach, the denial of everything. Looking me in my eye and denying everything, it's tough. It disappoints you as a man and a guy who cared so much about him. I obviously care a lot about him as a person and a football player."
Bryant served his first suspension to open the 2015 season, sitting out four games before returning to rack up 50 catches for 765 yards and six touchdowns thereafter.
Roethlisberger says he hasn't talked to his receiver since the second ban was handed down in March, instead leaving it up to him if he wants to reach out.
"I kind of put it on his plate," he added. "I would love to talk to him, but I have to let him make the move, he needs to reach out to me because I've tried and done those things. I'm not trying to be rude or mean, but I think he needs to do that, like grow up and reach out and talk to me, anybody. I know he talks to Markus (Wheaton)."
The Bryant suspension forces the Steelers to enter the 2015 season with Markus Wheaton, Darrius Heyward-Bey, and Sammie Coates taking on more prominent roles alongside All-Pro wideout Antonio Brown.
As is the case with all players serving a season-long suspension, Bryant will be able to apply for reinstatement within 60 days of the one-year mark.
