The suspension was originally for three games, but Bell appealed that down to two. It’s that Bell – who missed the first two games last season after being arrested on DUI and marijuana possession charges (he got probation) – had talked openly about staying out of trouble after his 2015 suspension but still found it.
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The Pittsburgh Steelers received some good news today, finding out Le’Veon Bell had his suspension reduced from four to three games.
While Le’Veon Bell with get to play one additional game for the Pittsburgh Steelers this year, the 6-foot-1, 244 pound running back will be required to remain on the substance abuse program that the National Football League ordered him to participate in.
There are only so many opportunities to play in the NFL, as scores of college players are coming into the league each year. The Steelers are one of only a handful of organizations that has never lied to me or even exaggerated anything.
As Yahoo Sports’ Shalise Manza Young points out, Appendix E of the NFL Policy and Program on Substances of Abuse clearly states that it is the responsibility of the player to provide an up-to-date phone number and address where they can be reached for testing.
Bell returns after three games, but that’s still a sizable chunk of the season.
What they do with Bell and the running back position in the long-term is a bigger question. His 2,215 yards rushing and receiving set the team record and he earned All-Pro.
Considering Kansas City is very likely to be without outside linebacker Justin Houston, Bell’s presence could be the difference.
After the season, the Steelers will face one of the more fascinating free-agency decisions if Bell is unsigned.
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The running back will now miss the first three games of the upcoming season against the Washington Redskins, The Cincinnati Bengals, and the Philadelphia Eagles. Wide receiver Martavis Bryant was suspended for the entire season for repeated violations of the drug policy.
