Le'Veon Bell Suspended, Fined: Latest Details, Comments and Reaction

The Pittsburgh Steelers offense reached high levels last season due in large part to Le'Veon Bell's productivity, but the team will be without its superstar rusher for the first three games of the 2015 campaign.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the 23-year-old Pro Bowler has been suspended for three contests and fined due to an arrest last summer, although he will appeal the decision:

Bell and former Steelers teammate LeGarrette Blount were charged with marijuana possession in August. Bell was also charged with DUI, which is why his suspension is lengthier than Blount's, per Schefter:

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Bell was ultimately given 15 months of probation for the offense, but further discipline was always expected to be handed down by the NFL.

There is no doubt that being without the former Michigan State standout for three games is a major blow for Pittsburgh. Bell racked up 2,215 yards rushing and receiving to go along with 11 touchdowns last season, and he was one of the biggest reasons the 11-5 Steelers returned to the playoffs.

ESPN fantasy expert Matthew Berry notes that Bell will likely be valuable next season despite the suspension:

Newly signed former Carolina Panthers back DeAngelo Williams is likely to slide in as the starter during his absence, but there will be more pressure on quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and the passing game to carry the offense.

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