National Football League

Steelers' Bell on DUI arrest: 'I wasn't thinking at all'

Published May. 20, 2015 5:41 p.m. ET

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If you've been wondering what was running through Le'Veon Bell's mind the day he was arrested for driving under the influence and marijuana possession last summer, you now have an answer.

"I wasn't thinking at all," Bell told ESPN The Magazine about the fateful day. "Obviously, I made a mistake. I apologized to my teammates, my coaches, the Steelers organization, the fans. That's not me. I'm not a guy who gets in trouble, especially with the law. It's something that I took the heat for, the punishment. Now I'm just ready to put it all behind me. I'm a better man for it, and I'm going to be a better football player for it."

Bell is not looking forward to serving the three-game suspension that came with his arrest, although he is hoping it is reduced or reversed upon appeal. He acknowledges his guilt, but is hoping that the league will take into account the steps he has taken since his court case was resolved, including community service.

"It's going to suck having to watch the first three games, to watch my team go out there and battle without me," Bell said. "But I feel like when I'm able to get back, we'll just be stronger."

As for any future marijuana usage, Bell says he it won't be happening, at least while he's still playing football.  

"Weed is not important," he said. "If I want to do it later on in my life, then I'll enjoy it later on. I love the game of football. I don't want anything, whatever it is -- performance-enhancing drugs, marijuana, alcohol, women -- that could get me in trouble and make me miss football. I've been playing for 19 years. I started at 4½. It's not something I want to give up any time soon."

Bell, who missed the final game of last season, a playoff loss to Baltimore, due to a knee injury suffered in the regular season finale, is still working his way back to 100 percent. While he feared the worst when he collided with Cincinnati's Reggie Nelson, he's glad it wasn't more serious. 

"The injury wasn't as bad as it might have looked. But it was pretty scary, don't get me wrong. But I'm glad everything worked out and my knee is close to 100 percent again. I wouldn't say it's there yet -- when I'm getting warmed up, that's when I feel it the most. But once I get warmed up, I don't feel anything."

If Bell's appeal is denied, he'll be eligible to play in Week 4, a Thursday night clash against the rival Ravens. 

h/t: ESPN.com

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