Le'Veon Bell Comments on Rumors RB Skipped Drug Test, Was Facing Suspension

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell dismissed speculation Tuesday that he's facing an NFL suspension for a missed or failed drug test.

Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review noted Bell said there's "no truth" to the reports. Mark Madden of 105.9 The X previously reported on a "pretty strong rumor" that the Steelers back skipped a test, which could have resulted in a suspension. After minicamp on Tuesday, Bell said, per Kaboly:

"

I am fine. I can't keep talking about the drug test. I probably already said too much about it so I really can't keep talking about it. People are going to say what they want to say on the internet. It is people who really have nothing to do. I don't get upset or let it bother me.

"

He was banned for the first two games of last season after violating the league's Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse. The punishment stemmed from a 2014 arrest for possession of marijuana and driving under the influence, which also involved former teammate LeGarrette Blount.

Bell ended up playing six games in 2015 before suffering a season-ending torn MCL. Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com passed along word that the 24-year-old Michigan State product showed up for Pittsburgh's offseason minicamp Tuesday and took part in individual drills.

In March, Bell told Teresa Varley of the team's official site that the Steelers are letting him dictate his own pace when it comes to the recovery:

"

I am fortunate to be in the position I am in. I have a grace period to get my knee right. They know how bad I want to go out there and go get it. When it's time to play football, I want to be 100 percent and be able to go out there.

There are going to be times when I am upset that I can't do everything, but I will know it's for the better of my career. Coach (Mike) Tomlin already told me he will take care of me. He knows I want to get in the best shape possible, so he is going to allow me to do some running, not just tackle or get hit.

"

Another suspension would have ended any hopes of getting back into action for Week 1 against Washington. For now, it appears any rumors that suggested he either failed or missed an NFL test were erroneous, which is great news for the Steelers.

The team's other running backs, led by DeAngelo Williams and Fitzgerald Toussaint, still figure to receive more work during training camp and the preseason. The Steelers are going to take it easy on their dynamic backfield weapon until he's all the way back to full strength.