Maybe Le’Veon Bell shouldn’t have hated on the haters
The one thing Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell had maintained since news first surfaced in June that he may have missed a drug test, was his innocence.
Even as recently as this week, Bell was very vocal about his innocence and took to Instagram to lash out at his critics:
“I’m not going to miss games, trust me. I’m gonna win the appeal…ppl have no idea what happened, but don’t worry, let’em hate. When I end up missin’ no games at all ppl for sure gonna try to love me again and I’m only ridin with my LOYAL fans.”
The running back’s tune was much different on Thursday, when he addressed the media after the players officially reported to the team’s training camp facilities at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, Pa.
In addition to apologizing to his teammates, coaches and fans for being a distraction, Bell repeatedly said he just wanted to allow the appeal process to play itself out.
But perhaps the most interesting nugget to come out of Bell’s mouth was that he was notified of a possible suspension as far back as March.
If that’s the case, one has to wonder why Bell took to social media to joke about getting randomly tested on April 20 (4/20). One also has to wonder why he is blaming the fans for turning their backs on him or at least being disappointed.
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Given Bell’s history with marijuana use (he was suspended for the first two games of the 2015 regular season for a DUI in 2014), he should understand more than anyone why people would be quick to judge him.
Bell is a very valuable member of the Steelers offense and one of the best running backs in the NFL. What fan wouldn’t be angry at the prospect of such an extraordinary talent being out of action for the first quarter of the upcoming season?
You know the saying: Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. In Bell’s case, fans may have been quick to forgive him for his DUI in 2014. They may even have believed him in June when he dismissed any rumors of a missed test and suspension.
But now, with a suspension all but a reality (according to ESPN.com, there’s a ‘Strong sense’ he will lose his appeal), fans are going to have a stronger reaction to someone who appears to be immature, irresponsible and, quite frankly, dishonest.
Bell has a bright future in the NFL that’s been dimmed because of his own carelessness.
Contrary to what he and his defenders may think, most fans would rather support a player than turn their backs on him.
Right now, it’s Le’Veon Bell’s fault that they even have to make a choice.
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