PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell is facing a three-game suspension following his arrest on DUI and marijuana charges last August.
A person with direct knowledge of the suspension told The Associated Press Bell is expected to appeal the suspension. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the disciplinary action had not been announced by the league. The suspension was first reported by ESPN.
Bell was arrested last August following a traffic stop along with then-teammate LeGarrette Blount. The 23-year-old All-Pro ended up pleading no contest and was sentenced to 15 months of probation and entered into a diversion program.
Blount, now a running back with New England, received a one-game suspension from the league last week.
Bell and Blount were arrested Aug. 20, 2014 after a motorcycle officer in Ross Township, a suburb just north of Pittsburgh, smelled marijuana coming from a vehicle Bell was driving hours before a team flight to a preseason game in Philadelphia.
Blount was released from the Steelers after complaining about insufficient playing time and walking off the field early in a loss to Tennessee in November. He signed with the Patriots days later and won a Super Bowl ring in February. As part of Bell’s plea deal he agreed to have a drug and alcohol evaluation, follow any recommended treatment and spend 12 hours one weekend at a safety school for those charged with drunken driving.
Bell flourished in his second season with the Steelers in 2014. His 2,115 yards from scrimmage were a team record. His 83 receptions were the most ever by a Pittsburgh running back and his versatility keyed the team’s run to an AFC North title.
The Steelers signed free agent DeAngelo Williams to a two-year contract in March as a backup to Bell. Williams is Carolina’s all-time leader in yards rushing (6,846) and career rushing touchdowns (46).
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