Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell has been suspended for the first three games of the 2015 season for violating the league’s substance abuse policy, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
On Wednesday, New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount was suspended one game as a result of the same incident. Bell’s punishment is steeper because he was charged with driving while under the influence in addition to misdemeanor possession of marijuana. Blount, who was not driving, was only charged with possession.
Under the league’s new substance abuse policy, a DUI triggers an automatic two-game suspension.
If you remember, Bell made a classic remark to police when he was confused about why he had been booked for DUI.
This obviously isn’t good news for the Steelers. They rushed for just 68 yards as a team in an opening round playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens earlier this year when Bell was out with an injury. Bell, who has emerged as arguably the best all-around back in the league, is the centerpiece of Pittsburgh’s offense. The Steelers will be at a serious disadvantage for the first three games of 2015.
