Looks like Steeler fans will have another reason to despise NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.
ESPN NFL insider John Clayton reported last night that All-Pro running back Le’Veon Bell is facing a likely two-game suspension stemming from Bell’s arrest for marijuana possession and DUI. Bell was subsequently given 15 months of probation and a 60-day license suspension under Pennsylvania’s first offender program.
However, it seems that the NFL does not believe Bell’s punishment from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is enough, and will add another challenge to a Steeler team that already has it’s fair share.
Already dealing with tough personnel questions on the defensive side of the ball, the loss of long time defensive coordinator Dick Lebeau, negotiations for a lucrative extension for Ben Roethlisberger, and the toughest schedule of any team in the league heading into next season, losing Bell to start the season is not the kind of news the team needs.
Add the rumors that the Steelers could very well open the season at the Super Bowl Champion New England Patriots, and the loss of Bell becomes even more problematic.
Never mind the fact that the Patriots will have running back LeGarrette Blount available for that potential matchup even though he too was involved in the August incident in Ross Township. That’s because Blount was able to plea a deal that allowed him to serve 50 hours of community service, avoiding any additional punishment.
For Goodell, this alone screams hypocrisy and selective punishment. So Bell, a first-time offender when it comes to missteps with NFL rules and regulations, will likely be forced to sit while Blount gets to play?
I’m sure it will be a party in Foxboro, and I’d suspect Mr. Goodell won’t bat an eyelash at the hypocrisy the first time Blount gets a carry while Bell watches from the sidelines.
To be clear, Bell made a mistake. I won’t get into the discussion of drug laws specific to marijuana even though Pennsylvania looks to be inching closer to legalizing the drug in some cases as we speak. The bottom line is Bell broke the law, and the laws are in place to be enforced. Despite of some people’s opinions, Bell did not get special treatment as the star of Pittsburgh’s favorite team. He was punished like any first time offender in a similar situation would be, and to the letter of the law.
Where it gets a little more foggy is where the NFL comes in. As judge, jury and proverbial executioner, commissioner Goodell wields power that leaves much up for interpretation and questioning. For instance, considering Bell has been a good soldier with the exception of his unfortunate mishap last August, is that much of a stretch to think that the punishment he received under the law is more than enough?
What exactly does the league gain with one of the best players in the game missing time for a first offense? Does a potential match up with the reigning Super Bowl champion and one of it’s biggest challengers somehow become better with the best all around running back in the game suspended for an incident that at that point, will have happened a over a year ago?
Maybe if you are in Cincinnati, Cleveland or Baltimore. Or, if you are Bill Belichick.
For a team already dealing with a daunting schedule that includes nine 2014 playoff teams and an astounding cumulative winning percentage of .579, the impact of losing Bell to start the season could be immense. Steeler fans already saw what a difference not having Bell in the lineup could have in a loss to the Ravens in the AFC Divisional round; a game where the Steelers gained a dismal 68 yards on the ground.
With the likelihood of Bell out to start the season, it could likely mean the Steelers might consider bringing in an experienced veteran to fill the void as a starter. Otherwise, they will have to rely on second-year players like Josh Harris and Dri Archer to fill the void.
That’s undoubtably a tough pill for the Steelers and their fans to swallow, but I doubt we’ll get much sympathy from Goodell or the NFL.
