NFL announces reduced suspension for Steelers' Le'Veon Bell

PITTSBURGH — The NFL announced Friday that it is reducing Le’Veon Bell’s suspension from four games to three games for the upcoming 2016 season.

The following is a statement from an NFL spokesperson:

"Le'Veon Bell of the Pittsburgh Steelers has been suspended without pay for the first three games of the 2016 regular season for violating the NFL Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse."

According to NFL.com, Bell will remain in the current stage of the substance abuse program as part of the settlement reached between the NFL and the NFLPA.

Steelers General Manager Kevin Colbert released a statement, saying:

"We are disappointed Le'Veon Bell has been suspended three games to start the 2016 season. We will continue to support Le'Veon, but we acknowledge this mistake has put the team in an unfortunate position. We will continue to work with Le'Veon to help him eliminate distractions in his life so he can reach his full potential as a member of our community as well as a player for the Pittsburgh Steelers."

Bell will continue to be allowed to practice and play in the pre-season with the Steelers.  After the last pre-season game, Bell will not be allowed to participate in practice or games.

He will be reinstated on Sept. 26, and will be eligible to return to action when the Steelers play the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday Night Football on WPXI on Oct. 2.

Bell took to Twitter following the announcement, posting a video in which he apologized to fans. However, the video was deleted shortly after it was posted. CLICK HERE to watch the original video.

Cox Media Group