By ,
Published May 02, 2016
Pittsburgh, PA (SportsNetwork.com) - Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell was admitted into a program for first-time offenders Friday morning that could lead to the dismissal of drug charges stemming from an incident last summer.
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Bell was admitted into the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition program for first-time, non-violent offenders after appearing before Common Pleas Judge Robert C. Gallo.
Under the terms of the program, Bell must abstain from drugs and alcohol, complete any recommended treatment, pay a $100 fee and court costs and complete a safe driving class. In addition, his driver's license will be suspended for 60 days.
Bell was pulled over by Ross Township Police in Pittsburgh on Aug. 20, 2014, when an officer said the car smelled of marijuana. Former teammate LeGarrette Blount was also in the car.
Bell was charged with possession of marijuana and driving under the influence.
Blount was released by the Steelers and signed with New England in November. His marijuana charge was dismissed last week after he completed 50 hours of community service in Boston.
After rushing for 860 yards and eight touchdowns as a rookie in 2013, Bell carried the ball 290 times for 1,361 yards and eight scores in 2014. He also led the NFL in running back receiving yards with 854 on 83 receptions with three touchdowns.
Bell will now likely face an NFL suspension. The new substance-abuse policy calls for a two-game suspension for players found legally responsible for driving under the influence.
https://www.foxnews.com/sports/steelers-rb-bell-gets-15-months-of-probation-for-pot