Earlier this year, the NFL imposed a three-game suspension on Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell, after he resolved charges arising from allegations of driving under the influence of marijuana. The ruling is subject to appeal.
According to Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the appeal hearing hasn’t happened yet.
The combination of the DUI and possession (and use) of marijuana makes three games seems like the reasonable outcome, especially since the new substance-abuse policy imposes a standard penalty of two games for a first-offense DUI -- and since the longstanding practice under the substance-abuse policy is the imposition of a one-game suspension for marijuana possession.
The recent decision to suspend Chiefs cornerback Sean Smith three games for an alcohol-based DUI that included driving into a light post doesn’t bode well for Bell’s chances of getting fewer than three games on appeal.
The absolute minimum punishment Bell would face is a one-game suspension, the same penalty imposed on Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount, who was riding with Bell last year when the arrest occurred. The fact that Bell was driving makes two games the more likely minimum, and three the most likely outcome.
