Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell is facing a four game suspension for violating the NFL Drug Policy, according to multiple reports. Other reports say that the suspension is for missing a drug test.
Pittsburgh Steelers RB Le’Veon Bell Facing Four Game Suspension
Bell denied that he had missed a drug test when the rumors began last month. The appeal process is currently ongoing and is currently no timetable for when a decision will be made. It is expected to be made before the 2016 NFL season begins on Sept. 8 when the Denver Broncos host the Carolina Panthers.
If he is suspended, however, he will miss games against the Washington Redskins, the Steelers’ home game against the Cincinnati Bengals, the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs.
He missed the first two games of the 2015 NFL season for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy after being arrested outside of Pittsburgh for a DUI and marijuana possession back in August 2014. The suspension was for three games in the beginning, but was then shortened to just two games.
Bell rushed for just 113 yards and three touchdowns on five carries. He tore his ACL and MCL in October and would miss the remainder of the season.
Options for Replacement
If Bell is suspended for the first four games, all is not lost for the Steelers. They still have running back DeAngelo Williams. Williams rushed for 907 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2015.
Not only does the Bell suspension not put a big dent in their running game, but it doesn’t affect their Super Bowl LI odds, either. They are the third favorite team to win the Super Bowl, behind the Green Bay Packers and New England Patriots.
The Steelers drafted Bell in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft. He currently sits at 2,777 rushing yards over his career. It looks as if whether he is suspended or not, he will be able to reach 3,000 yards for his career over the course of the season.
PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 21: Le’Veon Bell #26 of the Pittsburgh Steelers is introduced before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs on December 21, 2014 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
