Le'Veon Bell Reportedly Facing Suspension: Latest Details, Comments, Reaction

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell is reportedly facing a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy, according to Dan Graziano of ESPN and Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.

Graziano reported on July 22 that the suspension would be the result of a missed drug test, not a failed one, but that the appeals process is ongoing. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said Bell's appeal is tentatively scheduled for mid-August, per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

ESPN's John Clayton reported Tuesday that Bell could possibly avoid the suspension if the "drug-tester didn't make good contact to schedule his test."

Rapoport added on July 22: "For the past several weeks, the Steelers had known [Bell] likely wouldn't be on the field when the season began."

Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review noted on July 25 that Bell responded to people on Instagram, stating that he would not miss any games:

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Bell, who reportedly is facing a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's Policy and Program for Substance of Abuse for missing multiple drug tests, responded to critical fans on his verified Instagram account by saying, “I am not going to miss games, trust me.” ...

Bell added on his Instagram comment: "I'm gonna win the appeal...ppl have no idea what happened but don't worry...let em hate. When I end up missin no games at all, ppl for sure gonna try to love me again and I'm only ridin with my LOYAL fans!!"

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Bell previously refuted a report that he had missed a drug test, telling Kaboly in June: "I haven't missed any drug tests, failed any drug tests."

However, Jason Cole of Bleacher Report cited three sources who said they would be "shocked" if Bell didn't miss some time:

Bell added on June 14, 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."

It would be Bell's second suspension in as many years, as he was suspended for two games (reduced from the original punishment of three) last year after being arrested for marijuana possession and DUI in 2014.

TMZ reported on July 24 that Bell recently completed his probation from that arrest: "According to official documents, obtained by TMZ Sports, the 24-year-old running back successfully completed probation ... and the case has officially been expunged from his record."

A Bell suspension would be a huge blow for Pittsburgh's offense. The 24-year-old is one of the most prolific playmakers in the NFL, and he rushed for 556 yards and three touchdowns in just six games last year, as the suspension and injuries limited his season. He also registered 24 catches for 136 receiving yards.

The fourth-year back became a versatile weapon in 2014, rushing for 1,361 yards and eight touchdowns and catching 83 passes for 854 yards and another three touchdowns. Alongside quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and wide receiver Antonio Brown, Bell forms one of the most dangerous offensive trios in football.

And Bell has been uniquely efficient, per NFL on ESPN:

The Steelers do have DeAngelo Williams behind Bell on the depth chart. Williams, 33, rushed for 907 yards and 11 touchdowns in Bell's absence last year, so the Steelers should still get quality production from the running back position.

Still, few backs have been as good as Bell—when he's able to stay on the field, at least—over the past three seasons.

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