Steelers’ Bell willing to ‘do my time’

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell accepts the three-game suspension handed down last month by the NFL after he was charged last year with marijuana possession and driving under the influence.

Bell said in an interview with ESPN on Thursday that he made a mistake and would deal with any other punishment the league hands him.

“I’m going to just have to do my time, whatever the final decision may be,” Bell said. “Get past it, and get ready for next season and continuing to be the great football player I know I can be.”

Bell was sentenced to 15 months of probation in a first offender’s program after a plea deal resulting from the incident last August while driving to the Pittsburgh airport for a preseason game with former teammate LeGarrette Blount. He was required to abstain from drugs and alcohol, complete a safe driving course, undergo any recommended treatment and pay a fine.

The NFL announced Bell’s suspension on April 9. He had hoped his community service would lessen the league’s punishment.

“I did everything that they needed me to do and I did it quick,” Bell told ESPN. “So eventually that’s going to be off my record. Obviously, like I said, I still have to do my time that they gave me, but if (the NFL) were to look into that and all the community service that I did and the classes that I had to take in eventually getting it off my record, that should be something that maybe they consider and help me knock off some time.”

Bell finished last season ranked second in the NFL in rushing with 1,361 yards and eight touchdowns. He added 83 receptions for 854 yards.

“Marijuana is not an important thing for me,” Bell said. “It’s something I easily can set by. If I wanted to do it later on down my life, I’ll enjoy it later on. It’s something that got me in trouble. Football is what I love. I love the game of football and nothing will come to jeopardize that.”