NFL teams
Jeremy Fowler, senior NFL national reporter 9y

Le'Veon Bell unsure how NFL will handle appeal

NFL, Pittsburgh Steelers

LATROBE, Pa. -- Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell "most definitely" wants his three-game marijuana suspension reduced but says he has no idea how the league will handle his appeal, or if it's even up for evaluation.

Pittsburgh must try to win in September without Bell, who received 15 months of probation in February stemming from an August arrest on marijuana possession and DUI charges while with former teammate LeGarrette Blount. Blount got a one-game suspension; Bell's punishment was more severe because he was driving.

The Steelers reported to camp Saturday at Saint Vincent College. When answering questions about his suspension, Bell seemed noncommittal on all details save one -- that an appeal has been filed.

"I want to make sure I do everything in my power to be a better teammate and player," Bell said while standing outside the Steelers' dorm rooms. "Whatever the consequence is, I'll take it. ... You have to take the good with the bad."

Bell said he is in the best shape of his life after training in South Florida this offseason, but he recognizes his athleticism might find limited use as the team prepares for its Sept. 10 opener against the New England Patriots. DeAngelo Williams is the probable starter while Bell serves his suspension, and the Steelers need to get Williams some first-team reps.

Last season, Bell was second in the NFL in rushing yards (1,361) and receptions for a running back (83).

"I might get a little lighter load," Bell said about camp. "As fresh as I can be in the games, the better."

Head coach Mike Tomlin doesn't seem so sure.

"He's the first-team tailback, he's going to run with that group," Tomlin told reporters Saturday.

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