Le’Veon Bell Admits To Smoking Marijuana Right Before Game: ‘I’d smoke and run for 150 yards’

Le’Veon Bell, a running back free agency, acknowledged using marijuana before to NFL games.

On the “Steel Here” podcast, which is devoted to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Bell, whose final NFL season was in 2021, spoke candidly about the subject. In the midst of a contract dispute with the organization, Bell missed the 2018 season after playing for Pittsburgh from 2013 to 2017.

Le’Veon Bell Admits To Smoking Marijuana Right Before Game: ‘I’d smoke and run for 150 yards’

While playing for the Steelers, Bell received two NFL substance abuse suspensions for his transgressions. But since then, a new collective bargaining agreement has been signed between the league and the players. Players who test positive for marijuana for the first three times are fined instead of suspended. In the offseason, the league does not test players.

“Looking back on this, that’s what I did,” Bell said. “When I was playing football, I smoked, bro. Even before the games, I’d smoke and I’d go out there and run for 150, two (touchdowns).”

When Bell ultimately departed the Steelers, he played two games in 2020 and one in 2019 for the New York Jets. Adam Gase, the Jets’ head coach at the time, received criticism from Bell on the program.

“Bro, we get to New York, and that’s when you instantly find out that head coaches make a huge difference,” Bell said. “As soon as I get to New York I find that out like the first week. …

“Bro, the team wasn’t that great, don’t get me wrong, but I feel like if Coach (Mike) Tomlin (of the Steelers) was coaching that team, we win nine games at least. It’s to the point where (ex-Jets quarterback) Sam Darnold don’t even know like the actual line’s protections because he’s so confused about our offense because the coach is confusing him.”

His time with the Jets, however, was unsatisfactory, as he was let go halfway through the 2020 campaign after less than two years. On the podcast, the running back called out former New York coach Adam Gase, calling him a “terrible” play-caller.

After departing the Jets, Bell had brief spells with Kansas City in 2020, Baltimore, and Tampa Bay in 2021. In addition to collecting 399 catches for 3,289 yards and nine touchdowns, he has rushed for 6,554 yards and 42 touchdowns in his career.

Even though he didn’t play last season and briefly pursued a professional boxing career, Bell insisted that he hasn’t yet declared his official retirement from football. He stated on the podcast that he would prefer to retire with the Steelers but that he would welcome the opportunity to play a few preseason snaps “so I can show y’all” he is still capable of playing.

 

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