Steelers player gets probation for marijuana possession, DUI

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell will spend 15 months on probation stemming from his arrest on marijuana possession and DUI charges.

Bell, 22, entered into a court-mandated program Friday that, if completed, will result in the charges being dropped from his record.

Bell was arrested on Aug. 20, 2014 in Ross Township, a suburb just north of Pittsburgh, after being pulled over by a police officer. The officer said he smelled marijuana coming from the car, and Bell was charged with driving under the influence and possession of the drug. Police found 20 grams of marijuana in the vehicle.

In the car with Bell was former teammate and current New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount, who also was arrested. Blount completed 50 hours of community service in Boston and had his marijuana charge dropped last week.

The program Bell is entering into is called the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition, which is for first-time non-violent offenders. It’s a 15-month program that will require Bell to refrain from using drugs and alcohol. Bell’s driver’s license will be suspended for 60 days.

Defense attorney Robert Del Greco Jr. said Friday that Bell likely faces up to a two-game NFL suspension.

“I think it would be fair to say that he was relieved to have the hearing, eager to comply with the court’s conditions, and hopefully he will do so in a way that he’ll earn a dismissal and his expungement,” Del Greco said.

Bell finished the 2014 season with 1,361 rushing yards and eight touchdowns.