Reports: Steelers’ Le’Veon Bell to get three-game suspension

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell became a favorite of fantasy football team owners last season when he rushed for 1,361 yards and eight touchdowns while catching passes for another 854 yards and three touchdowns.

It is highly unlikely he will match those numbers in 2015.

Bell will be suspended for the first three games of next season, as well as face an additional game check, for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy, according to multiple media reports.

Bell is said to have already been notified of the punishment and intends to appeal.

Bell was charged with marijuana possession and DUI after an incident during the 2014 preseason. He was sentenced to 15 months’ probation in February.

New England Patriots running back LaGarrette Blount, who was arrested during the same incident last year but had his charges dropped after completing 50 hours of community service, was reportedly suspended one game by the league earlier this week.

The Steelers picked up veteran running back DeAngelo Williams earlier this off-season in anticipation of a Bell suspension.

Fantasy team owners may want to consider doing the same thing.

Twitter: @chewkiii