The New England Patriots will be without the services of running back LeGarrette Blount at the start of the 2015 season as the league announced Tuesday that he has been suspended for one game for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.
Blount, who spent the first half of the 2014 season with the Pittsburgh Steelers after signing a two-year contract with the team last March, was arrested and charged last summer for marijuana possession when he and running back Le’Veon Bell were pulled over by police in Ross Township.
Blount eventually had his charge dismissed after performing 50 hours of community service. He eventually was released by the Steelers later in the season after he walked off the field prior the game against the Tennessee Titans ending because he was upset about his lack of playing time. After subsequently clearing waivers, Blount signed with the Patriots and he went on to win his first Super Bowl championship with them.
Bell was the driver of the vehicle when he and Blount were pulled over and he was charged with a DUI in addition to possession. He agreed to enter a program but still faces a two-game suspension from the league.
Now that Blount has had his suspension handed down, one would think that the ruling on Bell won’t be far behind. The Steelers are planning for the worst, however, as they signed veteran DeAngelo Williams several weeks ago to serve as Bell’s back-up in 2015.
