Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell has been suspended for three games and fined an additional game check for violating the league’s substance abuse policy, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Bell is reportedly appealing.
Pitt RB LeVeon Bell suspended 3 games, fined additional game check for violating substance abuse policy, per league sources. He is appealing
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 9, 2015
Bell’s suspension is a result of him being arrested and subsequently charged with a DUI and possession of marijuana following a traffic stop last August. Bell and former Steelers running back LeGarrette Blount were traveling together at the time. Blount, who is now with the New England Patriots, was recently suspended for one-game for his role in the incident as he was only charged with possession of marijuana. He has since performed 50 hours of community service.
Bell’s suspension, which was only expected to be two games, is slated to begin as soon as the 2015 regular season starts.
If forced to speculate, I’m willing to bet that Bell will eventually has his suspension reduced by one game during the appeal process.
The Steelers signed veteran free agent running back DeAngelo Williams several weeks ago and he is expected to be the starter during Bell’s absence. The team might also address the position at some point during the upcoming draft in addition already having running backs Dri Archer and Josh Harris on their current offseason roster.
Bell was the league’s second leading rusher last season in addition to setting a new franchise record for total yards from scrimmage. The Michigan State product and former second-round draft pick rushed for 1361 yards and eight touchdowns and caught another 83 passes for 854 yards and three scores.
