Report: Le'Veon Bell Facing 4-Game Ban For Missed Drug Test
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- For the second straight year, the Pittsburgh Steelers are facing the start of their season without their star running back, Le'Veon Bell who is reportedly facing suspension.
There have been rumblings of an issue for well over a month, and ESPN reported Friday morning that Bell is awaiting an appeal hearing on a four-game suspension under the NFL's substance abuse policies.
#Steelers RB Le'Veon Bell is facing a 4-game suspension for violating @NFL policy on substance of abuse, as @DanGrazianoESPN said.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 22, 2016
For the past several weeks, the #Steelers had known Le'Veon Bell likely wouldn't be on the field when the season began. He missed drug tests
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 22, 2016
Last year, it was his marijuana incident with LeGarrette Blount in Ross Township. The four-game suspension was reduced to two.
But now, a year later, there are reports that Bell is again waiting to see if a four-game suspension for missing a drug test will be reduced.
In the eyes of the NFL, missing a test is the same as failing one.
"I don't understand why someone who makes multi-million dollars wouldn't be able to stay clean for a little while or keep it together long enough to take a drug test," said fan Katie Michenko, from Shadyside.
This also throws into question a new deal for Bell. This is final year of rookie contract. He's only 24 but injuries/red flags piling up
— Bob Pompeani (@KDPomp) July 22, 2016
The Steelers have no comment and Bell's agent has not returned KDKA's requests for a statement.
But with Martavis Bryant already out for the season due to drugs, and now add Bell, fans are disgusted.
"I know they are young kids, they are young adults; it's just a lack of discipline," said Alan McClain, a Steelers fan from St. Louis. "I don't know if it's a lack of respect for the teammates; it really lets their teammates down."
The hearing is expected before the season begins; and until then, Bell will be able to report to Training Camp and take part in team activities.
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