The Pittsburgh Steelers kicked off their training camp on Saturday. And with only slightly more than six weeks left until the Steelers face the New England Patriots in the season opener, running back Le’Veon Bell’s status remains in question.
Bell received a three-game suspension stemming from an arrest for driving under the influence of marijuana last August. Former teammate running back LeGarrette Blount, who was also under the influence and in Bell’s car at the time of the incident, was handed a one-game suspension.
Bell completely owned up to his actions and is prepared to sit out the three games if need be:
“I want to make sure I do everything in my power to be a better teammate and player,” Bell said at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Penn (h/t NFL.com). “Whatever the consequence is, I’ll take it. … You have to take the good with the bad.”
Bell may receive less work in training camp with the first team if the three-game suspension sticks.
“I might get a little lighter load,” he said. “As fresh as I can be in the games, the better.”
Bell put up a phenomenal season in 2014, totaling 2,215 yards and 11 touchdowns. His possible three-game absence at the start of the season could surely impact the team.
Bell told reporters at training camp that he has not been given a hearing date for his appeal. It’s a strong possibility that we will be watching that season opener without Bell and Patriots quarterback Tom Brady.
If that is the case, perhaps Bell, Blount and Brady can hang out and watch the game together.
Photo: USA Today Sports