Steelers’ Le’Veon Bell negotiating with NFL to reduce suspension

So one can imagine leagues and owners were less than enthused when it was announced Pittsburgh Steelers starter Le’Veon Bell would be suspended by the league for the first three games.

Le’Veon Bell is reportedly discussing a reduced suspension with the NFL.

According to Dan Graziano of ESPN.com, the NFL and Bell are now negotiating a settlement that could reduce his three game suspension down to one or two games. Per Cole, there is no timetable yet for when a decision will come.

Bell was suspended for an incident last August involving himself and then-teammate LeGarrette Blount.

The NFL instituted a new policy on drunk driving arrests with suspensions starting at two games, with an additional game possible under “aggravating circumstances” such as drug use, possession or property damage. However, Bell’s side is arguing that he’s being punished twice for same offense.

The league could also factor in Bell’s acknowledgement of the crime and his early completion of an diversion program given to first-time offenders.

After all he was the eighth-most productive fantasy player in 2014, posting 287.50 points thanks to his 1,361 yards rushing, 854 yards receiving and 11 touchdowns.

“No, it hasn’t”, Bell said regarding the absence of an appeal of his suspension.

There’s simply no doubting that the team missed him during their playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens this postseason, so seeing him return quicker than expected will be a major boost to a Steelers squad looking to improve on last season.