Pittsburgh Steelers Le’Veon Bell’s Suspension Reduced by NFL

According to NFL sources, Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell will see his three games suspension reduced. The ruling by Commissioner Rodger Goodell will limit the running backs suspension to just two games after the league finalized a settlement with Bell and the NFLPA.

Bell was originally suspended by the league after violating the NFL Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse. The third-year running back was arrested for marijuana possession and DUI in August 2014 while driving to the airport for a preseason game. His arrest led to 15-month probation in February for the Steelers starting running back. Former teammate LeGarrette Blount, who was also in the car, was handed a one game suspension.

At Steelers camp this week Bell expressed a strong desire to have his suspension either reduced or eliminated: “I want to make sure I do everything in my power to be a better teammate and player,” “Whatever the consequence is, I’ll take it. … You have to take the good with the bad.”

Though his suspension was gracefully reduced, Bell will miss the season opener against the New England Patriots (who may still be without Tom Brady) and the San Francisco 49ers the following week. He will be eligible to return against the St. Louis Rams in week three. DeAngelo Williams is expected to start in his absence, while Dri Archer is due to back-up the former Panther Williams.

Bell quickly rose to become one of the NFL’s leading running backs after rushing for over 1,300 yards in 2014, placing him second in rushing yards.

Bell is listed as ESPN’s number two fantasy player for 2015, which may or may not change with this news. The reduced suspension will surely alleviate fantasy owners minds when it comes to using such a high pick with so little running back talent available late in the draft.

Make sure to follow NFL Mocks on Twitter to get all the latest NFL and Fantasy news. Stay tuned for our Fantasy Q&A sessions, run by yours truly over the next couple weeks.

Follow my personal Twitter account @philliephan_1 to get my latest fantasy tips and NFL news.

Next: Report: New England Patriots Quarterback Tom Brady Denied Suspension Appeal