Pittsburgh Steelers’ running back Le’Veon Bell was not in practice on Wednesday. His teammates, who were reportedly expecting him, were not pleased.
Maurkice Pouncey took an apparent shot at Bell earlier, which you can read about here. But he was not done.
Maurkice Pouncey on Le’Veon Bell’s agent suggesting he’d like to know #Steelers plan for the RB this year: “That’s just stupid. You can’t play football like that.”
— Aditi Kinkhabwala (@AKinkhabwala) September 5, 2018
Maurkice Pouncey also issued this reminder: "A star is born every year in the NFL. Did anyone know Kareem Hunt would be an All-Pro before last season? If James Conner didn't have cancer, he'd have been a first round pick. Just watch him." #Steelers
— Aditi Kinkhabwala (@AKinkhabwala) September 5, 2018
Pouncey was not alone in his criticism of Bell. Fellow offensive lineman Ramon Foster criticized the running back in even harsher terms.
Steelers teammates not happy with Le’Veon Bell no show, led by vet G Ramon Foster, their player rep:
“What do you do? here’s a guy who doesn’t give a damn, I guess so we’ll treatit as such. I just hate it came to this. “— Ed Bouchette (@EdBouchette) September 5, 2018
More Ramon Foster on Bell: “He’s making 7 times what I make twice as much as Al (Villanueva) is making and we’re the guys who do it for him.”
— Ed Bouchette (@EdBouchette) September 5, 2018
Regardless of where you stand on the matter of Bell’s contract, there’s no way to spin this as anything but a clear negative.
He’s alienated at least some of his teammates. The Steelers have a potential championship contending roster. The players on the team are obviously getting more frustrated at Bell’s absence this close to the season opener.
These aren’t anonymous players, either. These players are putting their names behind some rather pointed criticisms.
When Bell finally does report to camp, it certainly feels as though some fences will need to be mended.