Steelers RB Le’Veon Bell Facing 4-Game Suspension For Missed Drug Test

Dan Graziano of ESPN reports that Steelers RB Le’Veon Bell is facing a four-game suspension for violation of the NFL’s drug policy.

According to Graziano, the suspension is the result of a missed drug test, and not a failed one. The case is still in the appeal process right now, which is why it hasn’t been announced by the NFL.

Graziano adds that no date for Bell’s appeal has been set, although it’s expected that it will be heard before the start of the regular season.

Last year, Bell was suspended for the first three games of last season, but this was later reduced down to two games for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy after he was arrested for marijuana possession and DUI in the summer of 2014.

Bell indicated that he could be targeting as much as $15 million per year in new contract a few weeks ago. However, he later backed off of that.

“I’m not a real greedy guy. I don’t play football just for money or things like that,” Bell said in an interview with James Walker of ESPN. “I just want to be valued. Wherever it is — whether its $15 million or lower or higher, whatever it is – I think we will get to an agreement eventually.”

Bell added that he wants to remain a member of the Steelers for the remainder of his pro career.

“Obviously, I want to be a Steeler for my whole life. My family grew up Pittsburgh Steelers fans, and it’s crazy I even got drafted there. So I want to be with them and hopefully we’ll reach an agreement. But that will take place once that time come.”

Bell, 24, is entering the final year of his four-year, $4,120,600 rookie contract that included a $1,376,800 signing bonus. He’ll make a base salary of $966,900 in 2016.

Bell wound up missing the first two games of the season due to a suspension before later sustained a season-ending injury.

In 2015, Bell appeared in six games and running for 556 yards on 113 carries (4.9 YPC) to go along with 24 receptions for 136 yards receiving and three total touchdowns.