Armonty Bryant: Drugs and alcohol were a problem

I would say yes [drugs and alcohol have been a problem]. Because I thought at times I was above the game, and that’s one thing they’ve been teaching us at the symposium — don’t be above the game. It’s a blessing that I’m even here playing this game and living out a dream of mine. So don’t take advantage of this, and I feel that’s exactly what I did. […] I’ve cut out going out, I’ve stopped drinking – everything. I’ve just been sticking myself in a hotel room, me and Barkevious Mingo. He’s just been keeping me focused and really helping me out. We go watch a movie, go out to dinner, just get my mind of stuff like that. [I’m] walking on thin ice. You can’t make any more mistakes. The organization gave me another opportunity, and I’m appreciative of it. I’m just trying to get better.

— Cleveland Browns rookie defensive lineman Armonty Bryant, Tuesday, at the NFL’s Rookie Symposium. Bryant, arrested during his collegiate days for selling marijuana, was recently arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. Bryant, drafted in the seventh round (No. 217 overall), measures in at 6-foot-4 and 263 pounds while running a 4.69 forty-yard dash at his pro day. His ceiling has drawn comparisons to the Cowboys’ DeMarcus Ware due to his size/speed combination along with the fact that both pass rushers emerged from small schools, but will face an uphill battle in training camp due to the Browns adding several defensive players via the draft and free agency this past offseason.

[Related: Where is the line drawn with character concerns?]

(Sources: ECT, ABJ, MKC)