Le’veon Bell Rape Allegations, Legal Battle, Career, Life & Net Worth

Former NFL star Le’Veon Bell, now 32 years old, finds himself at the center of a serious legal controversy. The ex-Pittsburgh Steelers running back, who had an illustrious eight-season career in the league, has publicly denied allegations that he sexually assaulted his cousin, Jada Bell, over a span of more than a decade.

A recent jury ruling in Franklin County, Ohio, awarded $25 million in damages against Bell and an additional $11.05 million against his brother, La’Vonte Bell. The lawsuit alleged nonconsensual incestuous relations dating back to when Jada was six or seven years old, with the abuse reportedly continuing through at least 2017.

Le’Veon Bell Breaks His Silence

Bell, who never appeared in court for the case, is now speaking out, claiming he was never properly notified about the lawsuit. As a result, the judge issued a default judgment in favor of Jada Bell in October 2024.

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Through his attorney, Thomas W. Shaffer, Bell issued a strong denial of the allegations, calling the entire legal process unfair and a violation of his Fifth Amendment rights:

“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. The default judgment granted was based upon violations of his due process rights for failing to be served.”

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Shaffer confirmed that Bell is actively working to challenge and overturn the ruling, stating that his legal team is filing a motion to open and reverse the default judgment so that the case can be properly litigated.

Legal Questions Surrounding the Case

One of the key points Bell is raising in his defense is that he was not living in Ohio at the time he was allegedly served with court documents. If true, this could undermine the legal validity of the default ruling, as proper service of legal documents is a fundamental requirement in civil cases.

This development means the case is far from over. If Bell’s legal team successfully overturns the judgment, the lawsuit could go to trial, where the allegations would finally be fully litigated rather than decided by default.

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Le’Veon Bell’s NFL Career and Net Worth

Before this legal battle, Bell was best known for his dominance on the football field. Drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2013, he quickly became one of the league’s top running backs, earning three Pro Bowl selections and being named First-Team All-Pro twice. At his peak, Bell was one of the most dynamic offensive players in the NFL, with an ability to both run and catch at an elite level.

His success led to a $52.5 million contract with the New York Jets in 2019, but his career took a downturn shortly after. He played for multiple teams, including the Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, before stepping away from football in 2021.

Since leaving the NFL, Bell has transitioned to boxing, most recently winning a match by unanimous decision in May 2024.

As of 2025, Le’Veon Bell’s net worth is estimated to be around $12 million. While he made over $45 million in career earnings, financial mismanagement, legal battles, and contract disputes reportedly took a toll on his wealth.

For now, all eyes are on how the courts handle Bell’s appeal. Will he successfully overturn the ruling, or will this case become a defining moment in his post-NFL legacy?

What do you think about Le’Veon Bell’s legal battle? Share your thoughts in the comments!