Pittsburgh Steelers

Report: Reduction to Le'Veon Bell's suspension being negotiated

Published Jul. 28, 2015 1:23 p.m. ET

foxsports

The Steelers could be getting an early Christmas gift. Already planning to be without Le'Veon Bell for three games, a settlement is reportedly in the works to reduce the All-Pro running back's suspension by one or two games.

Bell's lawyers and the NFLPA is contending that Bell was suspended for DUI under the league's new drug policy despite the fact that the infraction occurred under the old policy. ESPN is reporting that an independent arbitrator is encouraging the league and the union to work out an agreement that would cut Bell's three-game suspension to one or two games. An announcement could come in the next week, according to the report.

The league handed down Bell's three-game ban in April for his arrest last summer on DUI and marijuana possession. Former teammate LeGarrette Blount, who was a passenger in Bell's car during the incident, was suspended for one game and will miss the season opener between Pittsburgh and New England.

Bell, who finished second in rushing yards and yards from scrimmage to DeMarco Murray last season, will be back for the team's Week 4 game against Baltimore unless his suspension is reduced. The Steelers host the 49ers in Week 2 before visiting the St. Louis Rams the following Sunday.

h/t: ESPN.com