Former Steelers RB Le’Veon Bell Denies Rape Allegations
Former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell vehemently denies allegations that he raped his female cousin when she was an adolescent, according to a report by TMZ on Tuesday.
According to court documents that TMZ obtained, Jada Bell was awarded a $25 million verdict after a civil jury trial took place in Le’Veon Bell’s absence to determine the damages. Le’Veon Bell owes $20 million in compensatory damages plus $5 million in punitive damages.
Bell’s attorney, Thomas W. Shaffer, furiously denied the allegations, calling them completely “bogus,” and promised to appeal.
“My client adamantly denies any and all allegations that have been lodged against him. Further, he was never served with a civil complaint or any documents,” Shaffer told TMZ.
Bell’s younger brother, La’Vonte Bell, also owes the victim more than $11 million in damages.
The female relative first filed suit against both Bell brothers in March 2024 and alleged that both engaged in nonconsensual, incestual relations with her starting at the age of six or seven and they “continued through at least 2017,” according to court documents obtained by the New York Post.
According to the suit, Le’Veon Bell, who Jada says is eight years older than her, would use “slang terms” to direct her when she was just a minor, which acts he wished for her to perform upon him.”
“For instance,” the suit states, “he termed oral sex ‘fire.'”
The alleged sexual abuse continued for roughly a decade, until it finally ceased when she was 18, Jada Bell claims.
In addition to his lawyer’s statement, Le’Veon Bell also strongly refuted the allegations during a livestream on Tuesday night.
Bell claims he stopped paying Jada Bell’s rent in 2022 and she ended up getting evicted, and that’s where the false allegations stem from. Le’Veon Bell says Jada and her family were always envious and jealous of his fame and success.
“Look Jada, ‘I can’t throw you extra money this month.’ When I said that, she instantly says in the text message, ‘Oh, you can’t pay me, we’re gonna see who the bad guy is. We’re gonna see!'” Bell said.
Le’Veon Bell said he paid no mind to the statement, but he stopped communicating with his cousin from that moment.
Bell was drafted by the Steelers in the second round out of Michigan State in 2013. He spent five seasons in Pittsburgh, rushing for 5,336 yards and 35 touchdowns, along with recording 312 receptions and seven touchdowns. He made three Pro Bowls and was selected All-Pro three times during his time in Pittsburgh.
After a successful career with the Steelers, Bell signed a four-year, $52.5 million contract with the New York Jets in March of 2019. The contract included $35 million guaranteed, making him the second highest paid running back in the NFL.
Things didn’t pan out in New York, however, as Bell played 17 games over a span of two seasons with the Jets before being released in October of 2020. Bell played for the Kansas City Chiefs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Baltimore Ravens before fizzling out of the league.
Bell is currently a professional boxer. He’s also active on social media and frequently posts livestreams while playing video games.