Le’Veon Bell says marijuana isn’t very important to him

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One of the NFL’s best running backs has been suspended three games by the league for marijuana possession. Now Le’Veon Bell is saying pot isn’t important to him.

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Being one of the best running backs in the NFL comes with a bit of a territory and a minor price. Eyes will always be on these elite athletes and critics will always be breathing down their neck. Everything these guys do is monitored and most of the time it’s reported to the media. Le’Veon Bell let a simple mistake dictate his third year in the league.

After a run-in with the law before the 2014 season with then-teammate LeGarrette Blount, the second-year running back was cited for marijuana possession and was expecting a punishment for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.

It didn’t happen during the course of the season, but following the 2014 campaign, the NFL handed the Pittsburgh Steelers‘ running back a three-game suspension.

In February, he was also sentenced to 15 months probation and was ordered to stay away from drugs and alcohol, complete any recommended abuse programs and had to pay a $100 fee. It was the young star’s first time breaking the rules, so the league’s three-game suspension seemed a bit harsh.

Bell is in the middle of his appeal, but he told ESPN’ s Josina Anderson that he would be OK with any punishment that was given to him because he knows he made a mistake. However, he’s hoping the community service that he completed may help him in the process.

"“I did everything that they needed me to do and I did it quick. So eventually that’s going to be off my record. Obviously, like I said, I still have to do my time that they gave me, but if [the league] were to look into that and all the community service that I did and the classes that I had to take in eventually getting it off my record, that should be something that maybe they consider and help me knock off some time.”"

Other than claiming that any punishment would be alright with him, Bell also stated that he can rid his life of marijuana because it’s not that important to him.

"“Marijuana is not an important thing for me. It’s something I easily can set by. If I wanted to do it later on down my life, I’ll enjoy it later on. It’s something that got me in trouble. Football is what I love. I love the game of football and nothing will come to jeopardize that.”"

There you have it. Bell is not pot-free and ready to lead the Steelers to another division title.

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