Pittsburgh Steelers running back LeVeon Bell. Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell was suspended three games and fined a game check for a fourth for violating the NFL’s substance-abuse policy.
Bell will immediately appeal the ruling, which is not official until it has been announced by the league.
The 23-year-old was a second-round pick in 2013 and became the anchor of the Steelers’ offense in 2014, when he scored 11 touchdowns, gained 2,215 yards from scrimmage and was named All-Pro.
Bell’s punishment stems from a DUI and marijuana possession arrest last summer.
Bell entered a guilty plea in February and was given 15 months’ probation for the incident. Former Steelers running back LeGarrette Blount, who was a passenger, was suspended one game for marijuana possession.
Without Bell, the Steelers likely would use DeAngelo Williams, the former Carolina Panthers starter who was added to ease the burden on Bell.
