Aug 24, 2016 4 min read

Word from the Steelers is that sometime (barring suspensions and injuries) star running back Le’Veon Bell will see action in this week’s preseason game. If you’re a Bell fan, pay close attention, because unless he plays in the final exhibition game, it’s going to be a while before you spot him on the field again.

Bell, you see, has had repeated difficulties in keeping within the rather simple NFL rules regarding drug use and drug testing.

The problems for Bell started just over two years ago when he was arrested along with then-teammate LeGarrette Blount after an officer pulled over the car they were in because he smelled marijuana. Bell was behind the wheel. We should have gotten a pretty good idea about Bell’s intellectual abilities when he reportedly told the arresting officer, “I didn’t know you could get a DUI for being high.”

Later in 2014, he suffered a serious knee injury that prevented him from seeing action in the playoffs. At the beginning of last season, he served a two-game suspension for his Cheech and Chong impersonation with Blount. Then, last November, he suffered an even more severe knee injury.

But before he even completed his rehabilitation from his latest knee surgery, word began to trickle out – first from Pittsburgh sports radio host Mark Madden – that Bell might be facing another league suspension for missing a drug test. Those rumors were met with denials, but eventually there came other reports Bell might get a four-game punishment. Bell publicly scoffed at that, saying once his appeal was heard, he was sure he’d be on the field for the Steelers’ opening game.

Uh, no. The league did shave off one game, but Bell still is suspended for the first three games of the coming season for missing not one, but multiple drug tests. The NFL’s rules are very clear. Missing a test is the same as failing a test. Bell knew that, but he apparently couldn’t be bothered to make sure he hewed to the rules.

Said the running back after his suspension was levied, “I already apologized to my teammates, my coaches and Steeler Nation. I’m sincerely sorry about everything I put everybody through. It’s been frustrating, and I own up to everything. It’s all my fault, and I can’t blame nobody else for that.”

It’s good Bell is taking responsibility now. It’s just a shame he couldn’t be bothered to do so when it was time to provide a urine sample.

Bell, amid his apologies, also shared a bit too much information, saying at one point on Twitter he hadn’t smoked marijuana since December 2014. That’s nice, but it means he smoked dope at least once in the months after his drugging and driving arrest. Pure genius.

Earlier this year, Bell released a rap song called “Focus,” in which he argues he should be getting a new contact that would pay him $15 million per season. The song, itself, is truly hideous. Check it out on YouTube if you doubt us. But the idea Bell can command a contract in that range, after his injuries and behavior, is ridiculous.

Bell is just one smoked joint or “oops moment” with a drug test from another suspension, and his recent history should make anyone wonder whether his body can take the pounding an NFL running back receives.

The Steelers would be fools to sign a long-term deal with Bell, unless it’s a very team-friendly contract with strict behavior clauses. They’d be much better off tossing that money in the direction of Antonio Brown, who is perhaps the best receiver in the league and also has been a solid citizen.

If Bell screws up again with drugs or suffers yet another serious injury, he may find his football-playing days coming to an abrupt end. Of course, there’s always that rap career. Wait. Never mind.