3:25pm: Charges have officially been filed against both Bell (possession of marijuana, DUI) and Blount (possession of marijuana) by the Ross Township Police Department, tweets Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports. However, as Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette tweets, the Steelers will allow the NFL to deal with any potential discipline for the two running backs, which isn’t likely to happen this season.
THURSDAY, 9:06am: As first reported last night by Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (via Twitter), Blount was not charged with anything and was allowed to leave the scene and travel with the team. Andrea Hangst of Bleacher Report tweets that neither player is likely to face discipline from the league this season, since it usually takes time for the case to be resolved and the NFL to determine the severity of a potential suspension.
WEDNESDAY, 6:47pm: Steelers running backs Le’Veon Bell and LeGarrette Blount were arrested earlier today for marijuana possession, according to Colin Dunlap of CBS Pittsburgh (on Twitter). Things are a little more serious for Bell, who was also charged with driving under the influence.
According to Will Graves of The Associated Press (on Twitter), a traffic officer detected smoke coming from the car and police found about 20 grams of marijuana in the vehicle. According to NORML.org, a pro-legalization website, a possession charge for carrying 30 grams or less of marijuana can result in a misdemeanor and up to 30 days of incarceration. A DUI charge, of course, carries additional consequences. Both players could face punishment from the league office but that likely won’t be discussed until the case is resolved.
Bell, last year’s No. 48 overall pick, won the starting job as a rookie in 2013 and finished with 860 yards and eight touchdowns. Blount spent last year with the Pats and tallied 772 yards and seven touchdowns. While there won’t be an NFL suspension anytime soon, the Steelers could be on the lookout for reinforcements if punishment does come down from Commissioner Roger Goodell. There’s also the possibility that the Steelers will levy a suspension of their own.