If everything goes right for the Pittsburgh Steelers and running back Le’Veon Bell, it looks as if the Steelers could see their star runner back before Week 4 as originally planned.
Dan Graziano of ESPN reported Bell was in talks with the league to get his suspension reduced to either one or two games.
Potentially big fantasy news: NFL, Le’Veon Bell are negotiating a settlement that could reduce his 3-gm suspension to 1 or 2.
— Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) July 28, 2015
Albert Breer of NFL.com confirmed that report, noting that Bell was being punished twice for the same incident.
Right. Bell got 2 for DUI, 1 for weed. Argument is he’s punished twice for same thing. Cld be cut from 3 games to 2. https://t.co/eAflCDhqGl
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) July 28, 2015
To date, there hasn’t been any progress in the league setting a date for Bell’s hearing, but as it turns out one may not be needed.
Breer notes that drug appeals are often handled without a formal hearing so at this point Bell is really just waiting on a phone call from the league.
Some clarity on Le’Veon Bell’s appeal: League, union, Bell’s reps have been in contact throughout. Formal appeal hearing may not be needed.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) July 27, 2015
If Bell does indeed get his suspension reduced it is huge for the Steelers as he is coming off a breakout season in which he rushed for 1,361 yards and eight touchdowns, also catching 83 passes out of the backfield.
Bell was pulled over and charged last August with former teammate LeGarrette Blount.
He initially appealed his three-game suspension back in April.
UPDATE: USA Today NFL columnist Jarrett Bell reports that Bell indeed had his suspension reduced to two games.
Tom Brady's case not the only one resolved by #NFL. Meanwhile, @steelers RB @L_Bell26 suspension has been reduced to 2 games, via settlement
— Jarrett Bell (@JarrettBell) July 28, 2015
Photo Credit: USA Today Sports
