In a recent revelation that has sent shockwaves through the NFL community, Le’Veon Bell, the former Pittsburgh Steelers star, has admitted to smoking marijuana before games.
Bell Admits to Smoking Marijuana Before Games
In a candid interview on the Steel Here podcast, the three-time Pro Bowl running back revealed that he regularly smoked, even before NFL games, claiming, “That’s what I did. When I was playing football, I smoked, bro,” he said. “Even before the games, I’d smoke and I’d go out there and run for 150 (yards), two (touchdowns).”
Bell has been twice suspended for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy during his tenure with the Steelers, where he made a name for himself with his rare combination of patience and pop, dancing through holes moments before they closed, resulting in 5,336 rushing yards and 35 touchdowns.
He Regrets How He Left Pittsburgh
However, it wasn’t just his admission of marijuana use that brought Bell back into the spotlight. He has also publicly expressed regret over his ‘petty’ exit from Pittsburgh.
Bell was a key player for the Steelers, contributing significantly to the team’s offensive line, reaching three Pro Bowls, and achieving two All-Pro seasons during his five-year run with the team from 2013-2017. However, a dispute over his contract led to a sour end to this successful partnership. Bell, expressing that he never should have left Pittsburgh, admitted, “Yeah, it was a little petty, the little guarantee stuff.”
Le’Veon Also Rips Former Jets Coach
Bell didn’t hold back in his criticism of his time with the New York Jets and former coach Adam Gase. Despite a promising start with the Jets, Bell and the team didn’t achieve the same level of success he did with the Steelers.
During his interview, Bell made it clear he felt head coaches make a huge difference, stating, “As soon as I get to New York, I find that out like the first week.” He also claimed that the team could have won at least nine games if Mike Tomlin were coaching that Jets team. He also criticized his lack of usage during games and the play calling under Gase, which left the Jets’ quarterback Sam Darnold “confused.”
The former Steelers’ running back has expressed his desire to retire with Pittsburgh, stating, “The day when I do retire, it’s gonna be with Pittsburgh.”
