Bryant skips drug test; facing full season suspension

[doggfather69]

I can't prove the kid has it but I can prove his agent says he does. I myself travel that road every day. Manic Depression, bi polar and ptsd to be exact. Most is from war but I'm willing to be that some of it if from my young use of Marijuana and alcohol. When I say use I mean abuse, and as a marine we abused our alcohol pretty good as well. Most of the time drinking was the only coping skill I/we knew. It got us through the rough times onto another day. Therfore when I said I can relate to both sides of the fence on this I really mean it. I myself said earlier in this thread that I would wave bye because he was CHOOSING to smoke it like SNOOP and just didn't care, however as the story breaks and unfolds it is much more and I hope he gets the right meds. It's taken me many many years to get the right combination of meds and even when you do, your body adjust sometimes and they stop working and you have to find a new med. I can tell you basic life is a struggle. So until we know the facts, take it easy on the kid. I'm struggling just to figure out how to buy my daughter a prom dress and buy easter dinner. Trust me..... daily life is a struggle.

 

[stillwright]

And what makes you KNOW he suffers from it?

There is NOTHING more common than this type of person to lie his way and trying to turn his love for weed to being a victim. But because his agent says so, you assume it is true?

Hey, maybe Bell and Blunt suffered from depression too. Didn't you consider that?

I can have compassion for a person who struggles daily from depression. Ignorance on the other hand.........read the post's people are posting dude. I mean really read them. In the end I hope this kid gets his life together whether football is part of it or not.

 

[POP]

I can't prove the kid has it but I can prove his agent says he does. I myself travel that road every day. Manic Depression, bi polar and ptsd to be exact. Most is from war but I'm willing to be that some of it if from my young use of Marijuana and alcohol. When I say use I mean abuse, and as a marine we abused our alcohol pretty good as well. Most of the time drinking was the only coping skill I/we knew. It got us through the rough times onto another day. Therfore when I said I can relate to both sides of the fence on this I really mean it. I myself said earlier in this thread that I would wave bye because he was CHOOSING to smoke it like SNOOP and just didn't care, however as the story breaks and unfolds it is much more and I hope he gets the right meds. It's taken me many many years to get the right combination of meds and even when you do, your body adjust sometimes and they stop working and you have to find a new med. I can tell you basic life is a struggle. So until we know the facts, take it easy on the kid. I'm struggling just to figure out how to buy my daughter a prom dress and buy easter dinner. Trust me..... daily life is a struggle.

I am sorry, Dog. That sounds like a challenge and I hope you find/maintain happiness. I know a few people who struggle with depression, and it ain't no joke. I know this. By no means am I belittling those who have depression; I know it is a very real and potentially-disabling condition. I know it is far more than just being "bummed out" and something you can just "snap out of" as was the stigma years ago. I googled Bryant and depression, and the only thing that came up was this story. I found no other news on it, but maybe I needed to dig deeper. Or, maybe he really suffers from it but this is the first anyone ever said anything about it. I hope they aren't using this as a phony excuse, but more than that, I hope you find a way to achieve happiness and a way to buy your daughter's prom dress and Easter dinner. I have a best friend in a similar position as you (did two tours in Iraq) and my heart is really with those who have travelled that road. I wish you the very best, Dog, please be well. And try not to scare your daughter's prom date too much.

 

[POP]

I can have compassion for a person who struggles daily from depression. Ignorance on the other hand.........read the post's people are posting dude. I mean really read them. In the end I hope this kid gets his life together whether football is part of it or not.

Dude, I absolutely know all about real depression. If Bryant suffers from it, I have all the compassion in the world. But I looked to see if there was any evidence of depression before this and I didn't find any. That doesn't mean it invalidates the assertion completely, but I am merely questioning if it is valid or a convenient excuse. It wouldn't be the first time someone was a many multiple repeat offender for smoking weed, just because they like to smoke weed. I actually think it shouldn't be illegal or the NFL should even test for it. But that is a whole other discussion.

 

[stillwright]

Dude, I absolutely know all about real depression. If Bryant suffers from it, I have all the compassion in the world. But I looked to see if there was any evidence of depression before this and I didn't find any. That doesn't mean it invalidates the assertion completely, but I am merely questioning if it is valid or a convenient excuse. It wouldn't be the first time someone was a many multiple repeat offender for smoking weed, just because they like to smoke weed. I actually think it shouldn't be illegal or the NFL should even test for it. But that is a whole other discussion.

I see your point...but I have just chosen to give him the benefit of the doubt and you chose not to. I think his actions might just be the result of depression. Could I be wrong ? Of course.

 

[Steelerfan81]

Dude, I absolutely know all about real depression. If Bryant suffers from it, I have all the compassion in the world. But I looked to see if there was any evidence of depression before this and I didn't find any. That doesn't mean it invalidates the assertion completely, but I am merely questioning if it is valid or a convenient excuse. It wouldn't be the first time someone was a many multiple repeat offender for smoking weed, just because they like to smoke weed. I actually think it shouldn't be illegal or the NFL should even test for it. But that is a whole other discussion.

Did you know Robin Williams had depression enough to kill himself? Heath Ledger?

 

[POP]

I see your point...but I have just chosen to give him the benefit of the doubt and you chose not to. I think his actions might just be the result of depression. Could I be wrong ? Of course.

I don't know how you see my assertions, but IN MY MIND, I am merely questioning if he has it, NOT concluding that he does not. Going into rehab when, as they claim, he is clean, seems to raise a red flag. I have family members and best friends who struggle with depression. I know it is real, significant, and a big challenge to overcome. In no way am I belittling actual depression. But does THREE missed drug tests, and then going into rehab - when he is clean - seem to indicate it is depression that caused this? We will see.

 

[diver]

Anybody who has watched an interview with the kid had to know something was amiss, whatever it is. Some guys are born with talent (as is Bryant) and also have the ability to do well with the press and all the other stuff. Bryant seemed very uncomfortable when interviewed. When his short list of responses ran out, he would just repeat what he had been saying. I am not saying that is ignorance as much as it may be just being totally unprepared for the NFL in that regard. I imagine when you are in a position in which you feel inadequate that can certainly lead to some depression.

I do feel bad for the Bryant. I hope he can get it together. And I am certainly not some bleeding heart liberal. What I am is someone who, as he ages, realizes, uncomfortably, that not everything is black and white.

 

[slashsteel]

Right now the Steelers are is family. Would suck if they would just turn their back on him. I wouldn't do it to my kid,close friend, or close co-worker. That's is just me. Everyone makes mistakes. If he loses his right to play football who cares. You still stand by him. A very close co-worker's daughter was doing heroin for over a year while living with her boyfriend. He always knew their was something wrong. He feared the worst. Finally he sat her down with his exwife and they told her that they are here for her. In the end she is 2 years clean. A daily fight though. She will be the first to tell you. And depression is part of that struggle but with family and friends she is doing good.

A family................. yet a business too.

A billion dollar business.


Do i want the man to have help? if needed? damn right give him medically all the help he needs.

The Steelers can still watch after him and still cut the business cord at the same time.

Will the Steelers?

My guess is the will research it and see if he is legitimately depressed.

And then proceed as they feel necessary.

I would be ok with either decision they make of course.

But on the business side of things I feel they need to do whatever it takes for this not to be a distraction.

On the personal side, I already stated give him what he needs medically.

And yes you feel for anyone going through depression.

Hell I have always had a save the world mentality.

Just people have to be willing to save themselves too.

And moving forward that is what the Steelers will have to find out........

if Bryant willing to take the necessary steps...

 

[nooneuno]

Dude, I absolutely know all about real depression. If Bryant suffers from it, I have all the compassion in the world. But I looked to see if there was any evidence of depression before this and I didn't find any. That doesn't mean it invalidates the assertion completely, but I am merely questioning if it is valid or a convenient excuse. It wouldn't be the first time someone was a many multiple repeat offender for smoking weed, just because they like to smoke weed. I actually think it shouldn't be illegal or the NFL should even test for it. But that is a whole other discussion.

You looked to see if there was any evidence of depression before this? Where did you look? You know the guy personally? You know his childhood? His history?

 

[nooneuno]

This reeks of using "depression", which is a real and significant problem for millions of people, as an excuse and legal shenanigans to get out of bad behavior and poor choices.

It's why no one takes these athletes (or anyone with money/power) seriously when they hide behind their lawyers and agents and try to make excuses that NONE of us could possibly get away with.

He knew the rules. He didn't follow the rules. Now he pays the consequences.

It's what all of us teach our kids every day, yet Bryant obviously thinks he's above it because he's "important" and has money.

**** him. He sits for his season.

Next year, when he's eligible and he has followed whatever rules and protocol the NFL demands, he'll be welcome back at his $690,000 contract.

In fact, I'm not sure a full season under suspension counts towards an accrued season in the NFL, so instead of becoming an unrestricted free agent in 2018 he might end up being a restricted free agent. That could be a cheap season when he is in his prime at age 26.

After that, in all likelihood, with this suspension now on his record, we probably cut bait instead of paying him any substantial money.

I hope we sign Vick again.

 

[slashsteel]

I hope we sign Vick again.

then I would be depressed

 

[SteelerSask2]

I'd be interested what the team knew and what their level of intervention was. Wouldn't the league alert the team when he missed the first test? Wouldn't team officials be paying him a visit. This is potentially a 1200 yard 10 TD guy. That is a pretty big talent.

 

[SCSteeler4life]

You looked to see if there was any evidence of depression before this? Where did you look? You know the guy personally? You know his childhood? His history?

I work with his cousin. He went to HS 10 minutes from me. I haven't seen him at work but will be interested in hearing what he has to say.

 

[str8liner]

Wish I would have stayed off here for awhile....I pop in every so often after the season is over to see whats going on and what do I see but the 2016 playoff run taking a HUGE hit because the kid cant lay off the weed...

Now I am depressed and need a medicinal hit....

 

[deljzc]

The people believing this is really depression are the same that believe every positive PED test is just a "supplement mix up".

I have land in Florida for sale too if anyone is interested....

 

[nooneuno]

The people believing this is really depression are the same that believe every positive PED test is just a "supplement mix up".

I have land in Florida for sale too if anyone is interested....

I'd rather reserve judgement on the matter then come in all guns blazing about something I have little to no information on. You're Mr Black and White, just like your stance on Vick. The reality is no one here knows squat about what goes on in Bryant's life.

 

[tapeANaspirin2it]

I'd rather reserve judgement on the matter then come in all guns blazing about something I have little to no information on. You're Mr Black and White, just like your stance on Vick. The reality is no one here knows squat about what goes on in Bryant's life.

i know that unless he has glaucoma, or is getting chemotherapy, or has some kind of chronic (no pun intended) pain situation, then smoking weed won't help.

i'd rather if people just admitted they love smoking weed instead of trying to pretend like smoking weed is some magic cure for just about anything.

it's also a crock of **** that weed is not addictive.

 

[chipped ham]

Dude, I absolutely know all about real depression. If Bryant suffers from it, I have all the compassion in the world. But I looked to see if there was any evidence of depression before this and I didn't find any. That doesn't mean it invalidates the assertion completely, but I am merely questioning if it is valid or a convenient excuse. It wouldn't be the first time someone was a many multiple repeat offender for smoking weed, just because they like to smoke weed. I actually think it shouldn't be illegal or the NFL should even test for it. But that is a whole other discussion.

Isn't that the point? Usually, as it pertains to depression/addiction, there's a saying seemingly always thrown around. Something like "it's always the ones you'd never expect." So, really, it's not that big of a surprise that you didn't find anything. Does that mean everything we're hearing is 100% true? Absolutely not. But, just because you couldn't find anything about Bryant suffering from depression in the past doesn't mean that it wasn't a problem. I mean, jeez, when the kid had it happen last year, they made a big deal about going to that counselor in Houston. Like, a really BIG deal. Typically you don't hear about a player needing counseling for a month after he's been suspended for 4 games. I mean Bell was suspended for 2 games and there weren't any reports about him needing to go this extra mile to seek help. Something seemed off with it all and now we have this. I guess all we can really do is wait to see what happens in the few days. Anyways, I really hope he gets the treatment he needs. This is about Martavis Bryant the man, not Martavis Bryant the player.

 

[Zack_of_Steel]

i know that unless he has glaucoma, or is getting chemotherapy, or has some kind of chronic (no pun intended) pain situation, then smoking weed won't help.

i'd rather if people just admitted they love smoking weed instead of trying to pretend like smoking weed is some magic cure for just about anything.

it's also a crock of **** that weed is not addictive.

lmao


Plenty of players smoke weed like Santonio and deserve their licks, but if he's actually got a chemical imbalance in his brain (which is FAR more common than anyone wants to admit) causing clinical depression, anxiety, et cetera, marijuana is absolutely an aid.

Also, marijuana is absolutely not addictive. If it were addictive, people would go through withdrawal. Mental dependency =/= physical addiction. Anyone that claims that they're addicted to pot is a fool or a liar.


I was the first on the "**** Holmes" train, but as someone that has dealt with anxiety and depression and is a daily smoker, I can see where he'd turn to weed for assistance as I do (I will NEVER claim that I only do it medicinally, it's just as frequently recreational it is otherwise). I've quit cold turkey for 6+ months multiple times--it can be done easily, but if he's depressed I am not about to put him on the same pyre as Holmes.

 

[antdrewjosh]

I smoked everyday for twenty years and quit in 2010. It was ridiculously hard. Never went back but it was tough. It took a total life style change. Quitting cigarettes was easier then stopping the bud. As far as his depression who knows only a doctor can tell. And people absolutely use weed as a medicine to fight depression just like they use alcohol or any other drug. Bottom line the kid has a problem. Hopefully he can get his life together before he throws it all away. I won't condemn the kid cause his actions have affected the Steelers season. Some things are bigger then football. It sucks he won't be there but we knew he had issues and prepared for it by drafting Coates. Next man up.

 

[TDX27]

Career over for Bryant. The only reason to miss a test is because he was taking drugs and didn't want the actual proof to show. If the Steelers do try to resign him at the end of his contract, it would have to be for a very minimum salary with incentive bonuses for staying clean and for production on the field. He truly has screwed himself. The next suspension is for life.

 

[Coach]

Okay, so Bryant is a huge mess. No surprise there. I think the Steelers expected it. The silver lining is this happened now, not after a huge second contract. While Bryant's big-play ability will be missed, Coates if he improves a bit from his rookie year, and DHB can replicate some of his best stuff.

 

[Steelin]

Depression is real. I don't know if he really has it but to throw away a lucrative career over weed is sad.

 

[oneforthebus]

Of course depression is real, there are also real, legal, league-approved ways of treating depression. Being an NFL player is a privilege that a million other guys would kill for. If you can't fulfill the requirements you don't belong on the team, period.