Steelers most recent nominees for the Hall of Shame

Le’Veon Bell, Running Back

This was one of the most covered stories in Pittsburgh sports in the last decade. It was a crazy tale of a contract dispute between Le’Veon Bell and the Steelers. The player was franchised tagged and was seeking a long-term deal with the team that included guaranteed money. Pittsburgh offered the running back a nice and fair contract but Bell decided against it. His hold-out continued throughout the entire offseason then pre-season. His teammates were assured that he would come back for the regular season but Bell decided not to show up. Articles were written as to when Bell could return with different dates and stipulations.

Then it was finally announced that Bell would take the entire season off and hold out until free agency unless the Steelers paid him guaranteed money. That payment did not happen and James Conner had a breakout season as the starter. Bell was a distraction that entire season and would eventually get his money from the New York Jets. His play there was diminished and something many saw coming.

Taking off an entire year did Bell no favors for what otherwise seemed like a long and exuberant career in the NFL. He is currently a free agent and will likely be out of the league starting now or in another year. He is no longer a starting-caliber running back or star player like he was for the black and gold. It makes sense wanting to make as much money as possible while you play but to ruin your career and give up on your team is something no one has seen before.