The star running back was previously suspended for the first two games of last season for being arrested on charges of marijuana possession and driving under the influence of the drug with then-Steeler LeGarette Blount before a preseason team flight. He could have simply said, “The NFL’s drug-testing policy is confidential, so I won’t talk about it”. Bell had previously denied that there was even a punishment given when questioned last month about it.
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The Pittsburgh Steelers are back at training camp for their first official practice of 2016. Bell was originally suspended three games before it was reduced on appeal. Just a reminder that you might want to refresh this page often and look for Alex’s full recap of Saturday’s practice later on in the evening with a short special edition podcast to follow. “Regular-season games, that’s what I’m shooting for”. This whole situation, the appeal, I’m going to let it everything handle itself.
While it seems this elephant won’t go away until at least after the National Football League hears and then rules on Bell’s appeal, his teammates insist it will not be a distraction.
The good news is that they have a more than capable running back in DeAngelo Williams, who did an excellent job when Bell got hurt last season. “Things come up”, outside linebacker Arthur Moats said. However, he does not expect the injury or the suspension to keep him from being ready for the beginning of the season. “At the end of the day, whoever is out there is going to be able to perform at a high level”. “We did a lot of boxing stuff, and I just feel like I’m way ahead of where I was a year ago both mentally and physically, and I already see it showing”.
While the situation hovers over him, Bell reassured Steelers fans Thursday that head coach Mike Tomlin doesn’t have to worry about getting him preseason reps, per Adamski: “If (Tomlin) sees what I can do, he don’t really have to play me in the preseason”.
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“We’re so talented and to lose guys and not have them, it’s frustrating”, guard David DeCastro added.
