Former NFL Runningback Le'Veon Bell Says He Smoked Pot as Part of His Pregame Routine

In a recent podcast, Le'Veon Bell, a free-agent running back, revealed that he used to smoke marijuana prior to NFL games.

Former NFL player Le'Veon Bell recently revealed his pre-game routine in an interview with the Steel Here podcast. The running back admitted to smoking marijuana before taking the field during his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers from 2013 to 2017.

"When I was playing football, I smoked, bro. Even before the games." Bell said on the podcast.

This is not the first time the NFL star has been associated with marijuana. In 2014, he and a teammate were arrested for possessing 20 grams when officers pulled over their vehicle.

Bell faced the legal repercussions of his actions, receiving 15 months of probation, a 60-day suspension of his driver's license, mandatory DUI education classes, and $2,400 in court costs. Additionally, he served a suspension of three games from the NFL after his initial four-game suspension was reduced after his appeal.

Bell also expressed a desire to return to the field in the recent podcast. Despite not playing since 2021, Bell emphasizes that he never officially retired and hopes to retire as a Pittsburgh Steelers player.

The NFL Players Association has updated its marijuana testing policies to reflect a more relaxed approach. Players are now only required to undergo one marijuana test per year at the beginning of training camp. It should be noted that while this policy change allows for more freedom, marijuana use remains prohibited in the NFL.

Positive drug tests come with a hefty price tag, instead of getting suspended, you could lose up to three weeks' pay. In addition, the threshold for a positive test has been significantly raised from 35 nanograms to 150 nanograms, giving the athletes a little more leeway.

Le'Veon Bell's recent revelation about his pre-game marijuana use has sparked discussions about the intersection of professional sports and drug policies. While Bell openly admitted to smoking marijuana before NFL games during his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers, it is important to acknowledge the legal consequences he faced for his actions. Despite the challenges, Bell expressed his desire to return to the field and retire as a Pittsburgh Steelers player.

The NFL Players Association's updated marijuana testing policies reflect a more lenient approach, but it is crucial to remember that marijuana use remains prohibited in the NFL. As the league continues to navigate these discussions, the revised policies aim to strike a balance between athlete well-being and maintaining the integrity of the sport. The increased threshold for positive tests and potential financial consequences demonstrate the evolving landscape of drug regulations in professional sports.