Last summer, Steelers running backs Le'Veon Bell and LeGarrette Blount were arrested after a cop pulled them over on suspicion of DUI outside of Pittsburgh. The duo's car had the smell of marijuana flying out of it, and after a search, 20 grams of pot was found. At the time, Bell said he didn't know one could catch a DUI charge for being high, but now, he's learning the full force of the law, and it'll cost him a few NFL games. ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting that he'll be suspended for three games plus docked another game's pay for the DUI charge.
Pitt RB LeVeon Bell suspended 3 games, fined additional game check for violating substance abuse policy, per league sources. He is appealing
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 9, 2015Blount, who was later released by the Steelers (only to re-sign with the Patriots later and win the Super Bowl, which is the greatest tale of "shit happens, whatever" in sports this past year) was hit with a one game suspension for his role in the incident, but because Bell was behind the wheel and plead guilty to DUI, he faced up to a four-game ban, with a minimum of two games. Three games compromises on that, but the third game was tacked on only because marijuana is illegal in Pennsylvania.
Schefter notes in his report that the whole punishment is being received as a bit harsh around the league, but because of the NFL's new personal conduct policy, the league is battening down the hatches on Bell.
The decision will likely have greater recourse for fantasy football owners than actual Steelers fans, because fantasy football>>>>>IRL anything. If you use a top pick on Bell, be sure to grab backup DeAngelo Williams as a handcuff.
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[via ProFootballTalk]
