In a career riddled with setbacks off the field, it appears wide receiver Martavis Bryant might have sustained the last of his NFL career.
According to Dan Graziano of ESPN, Bryant is appealing a suspension for violating the league’s substance-abuse policy. He is reportedly expected to be cut by the Raiders today.
Source: As of the 4pm ET deadline, the Raiders were planning to release WR Martavis Bryant, who has a pending appeal of a drug suspension by the NFL. Raiders moves not yet officially announced.
— Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) September 1, 2018
If Bryant’s appeal is unsuccessful, this could be the end to his NFL career. The 26-year-old already served an indefinite suspension that cost him the entire 2016 season. Another violation of the league’s substance-abuse policy could make a comeback nearly impossible assuming he receives another indefinite ban.
Oakland’s decision to cut him is understandable. However, it is just a few months removed from trading a third-round pick for the troubled receiver. Jon Gruden took a gamble on the “tiger locked in the cage”, it backfired quickly.
If this is the end to a career filled with moments of promise and disappointment, Bryant will finish with 126 receptions, 1,917 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns in 36 games.