Pittsburgh Steelers star running back Le’Veon Bell is holding out and skipping practice due to contract negotiations involved in guaranteed money in his contract.  Although he is the star running back for the team, the team doesn’t seem to be phased by his absence during the practices. Starting quarterback Ben Roethelisburger has stated, “Football’s the ultimate team sport. One guy doesn’t make or break you,” and last Wednesday he also stated, “So I’d like to say that the linemen are more important than any skill position player, including myself, on this team. This offense is more than one guy.”.  Le’Veon has been holding out due to the team not having any more money to give, players like Antonio Brown and Juju Smith-Schuster have said they are willing to cut money from their contracts to make more money for Bell if he would return to the practices and speak with the coaches.

After tying the first game of the season against the Cleveland Browns and losing the second game to the Kansas City Chiefs 42-37, both with the absence of Bell, Coach Mike Tomlin has officially announced that Le’Veon Bell is no longer a part of the teams roster and is now a free agent after his hold out for money.  Bell has not yet said anything about his removal but it may be career damaging.  Due to wanting so much more money than he already makes, other teams may understand the troubles he may be if they were sign him.  The biggest mistake Bell and his agent are making is not realizing his best offer as a free agent in March likely would have come from the Steelers. But it appears too much damage has been done, and Bakari’s July statement that 2018 is likely Bell’s last year in Pittsburgh almost certainly will come to fruition.

Finally, with season changing news the real question will now be did his absence really effect the first 2 games or are the Steelers just shaking off the rust? Also, how will he departure from the team effect his former teammates and close friends and coaches on the team. Stay tuned because more has yet to come!